To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she has made any assessment as to whether the current Maximum Student Number cap is compatible with achieving the skills, productivity and economic growth objectives, contained within the Programme for Government 2024-2027.

The Maximum Student Number (MaSN) cap is kept under ongoing review by my Department, including in the context of the Programme for Government 2024–2027 and the need to support skills development, productivity and economic growth.

MaSN is considered as part of a wider package of interventions across the tertiary education system to ensure provision is aligned with economic need. Evidence, including the Skills Barometer, shows that skills demand exists across all qualification levels, including technical and professional pathways.

It is therefore essential that provision across further education, apprenticeships and higher education is balanced, flexible and responsive to the needs of employers and the wider economy.