It will be through the knowledge economy that Northern Ireland will become part of the global economy. The development of the appropriate skills is vital for strengthening the economic infrastructure. Higher and further education are the key providers of this knowledge and those skills. Again, no one could object to increasing levels of education and skills. The aim of equipping our young people particularly with the confidence, abilities and values to live their lives to the full and create a stronger, peaceful society is admirable.
Many people share it.
Indeed the Programme for Government itself could not be advanced without trained and well-educated people in place. What is more disturbing is that, while the document talks of enabling people to find self-fulfilment and to undertake personal development, there is little mention of service to the community as a goal of the education process. These developments are very welcome and relate to our local needs, but they are limited in scope. The shortage of student places still remains, despite the changes mentioned above, and will clearly mean that some students will have to leave the region. Skills are mentioned, but not identified.