AQW 10758/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 23/11/2020
Answered On Date: 10/12/2020
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy (i) what communication she has had with universities in Great Britain regarding the repatriation this Christmas of Northern Irish students studying in Great Britain; and (ii) to detail her plans for facilitating this, including (a) timescale, windows; (b) testing requirements; and (c) alternative travel arrangements should bus, rail, air and boat services be unavailable due to overbooking.

Answer:

My Department has no responsibility for the return of students to Northern Ireland nor for their transport arrangements and therefore there have been no discussions with any universities in Great Britain on this subject. Any such advice and guidance must therefore be provided by the relevant public health authorities, and I have made this case to both the Minister of Health as well as my Executive colleagues.