Welcome For DEL Committee Report

Following the submission of a report of the Assembly's Employment and Learning Committee on teacher training, the Ulster Unionist Party have welcomed it's findings and recommendations, and welcomed the Minister's commitment to keep an open mind on the future of Stranmillis University College.



Speaking from Stormont, Committee member Dr Robert Coulter MLA said:



"As someone who has been through teacher training myself, I know both the necessity of quality training, and the outstanding quality that we provide here in Northern Ireland. Stranmillis has always been at the heart of that provision, and we are all keen to see that centre of excellence prosper in the future. The Taylor Report, commissioned by Stranmillis did not recommend that the College continue as it has been up to now, and so this whole area needs addressing.



Going into the future, no matter what it holds for Queen's and Stranmillis, it is important that due regard is given by both the Minister for Employment and Learning and the Education Minister to providing sub-degree courses, such as continuous and early professional development for teaching assistants. We have a particular problem in the over supply of newly qualified teachers, and it is important that attention is turned to the adequate training of teaching assistants.



David McClarty, who is also a member of the DEL committee commented:



"It is vital that all of us in this process, keep an open mind on the issue of a merger between Stranmillis and Queen's until all due diligence has been completed and the business case has been assessed by DEL and DFP. I sincerely hope that everyone will ensure that their minds are kept open.



Certainly my Party will be watching closely to ensure that future developments not only respect, but also strengthen, Stranmillis' commitment to the ethos of the controlled sector - that is, values based on pluralism and respect, flowing from a broadly-based, generous, non-denominational Christian ethos. The views of the Transferors Representatives Council should be given particular weight, in this regards. The guarantee from The Queen's University of Belfast - IF a merger does occur - must also be carefully monitored: the guarantee that Queen's would ensure that the provision of Religious Education on the basis of the curriculum agreed by the 4 main churches will be maintained.