AQW 25182/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 27/03/2025
Answered On Date: 11/04/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any engagement she has had with the Minister for Communities, since taking office, in relation to the lack of financial support for postgraduate students in Northern Ireland, particularly those who are ineligible for Universal Credit due to full-time study and are also unable to access maintenance loans.

Answer:

My officials engage with their counterparts across other departments on a regular basis. This includes discussions on a number of topics, including how the benefits and skills systems interact. Plans are currently being developed for a proposed review of higher education funding, including financial support to students. Officials are due to brief me in coming weeks regarding the review. I am always happy to engage with other executive Ministers.