Present: Dr Esmond Birnie MLA (Chairman)
Mr Mervyn Carrick MLA (Deputy Chairman)
Mr Roy Beggs MLA
Mrs Joan Carson MLA
Mr John Dallat MLA
Prof Monica McWilliams MLA
Mrs Mary Nelis MLA

In Attendance: Dr Andrew C Peoples
Mr Colin Jones
Ms Anne Colville
Miss Kelly-Anne Llewellyn

Apologies: Mr Joe Byrne MLA
Mr Roger Hutchinson MLA
Mr John Kelly MLA

Meeting opened at 2.07pm in open session.

1. Apologies

Apologies are detailed above.

2. Approval of draft minutes of 24 May 2001

Agreed. Proposed: Mr Dallat. Seconded: Mrs Carson.

3. Matters arising

The Committee agreed that the Chairman would write on the Committee's behalf to the Chairman of the Committee on Procedures, to raise the issue of consistent non-attendance.

Action: Clerk

Members considered the research paper for the Equality Consultation document on DHFETE's Student Finance proposals and directed the Clerk to draft a response, based on the procedural weaknesses highlighted during debate, for consideration at the next meeting.

Action: Clerk

Members noted information requested from Forfás on the initiatives to improve adult literacy and numeracy in the Republic of Ireland. The Chairman agreed to discuss any proposals for television coverage in this area at his forthcoming meeting with Maggie Taggart, BBC, to brief her on the Committee's current Inquiry.

Members considered the Minister's reply on the current responsibilities of the Training and Employment Agency Board and noted that he was considering some restructuring of the bodies which advise the Department. Members agreed that the Chairman would write again to the Minister to emphasise the Committee's wish to be consulted prior to any decisions being taken in this area.

Action: Clerk

Members considered a response from the Minister on the preliminary findings from the Committee's Inquiry relating to Careers Education and Guidance. Members agreed to revisit this on receipt of the findings from the recent review, chaired by Professor Fulton.

5. Evidence session with the Queens University of Belfast

As part of its Inquiry into "Education and Training for Industry," the Committee took evidence from the following representatives from Queens University: Prof George Bain, Vice Chancellor; Mr James O'Kane, Registrar and Prof Robert Cormack, Pro Vice Chancellor, Students and Learning. Following a short presentation highlighting the importance of research and development; the University's role in improving the skills base in Northern Ireland and the steps taken to widen access to higher education, witnesses answered questions in the following areas:

• the role of the University's Skills Co-ordinating Group in introducing work-related learning;

• the success of partnerships between higher education and industry in developing training geared to a competitive local economy;

• the University's difficulties in recruiting and retaining academic staff;

• the transferable skills needed for employment;

• the development of exchange programmes and the University's links with NIBEP; and

• the alternative sources of increased funding for the University.

6. Evidence session with the Northern Ireland Business Education Partnership

The Committee also took evidence from Professor Brian Norton, Vice Chairman and Mr Brian Smart, Director, from the Northern Ireland Business Education Partnership (NIBEP). The following areas were discussed:

• the 'social responsibility' expected from modern businesses;

• NIBEP's encouragement of more employer participation in the design and delivery of higher and further education programmes;

• the potential effects of NIBEP's extended remit into primary and further education;

• the implications for NIBEP of being jointly funded by two government departments;

• NIBEP's role in ensuring successful inward investment;

• progress made on developing training courses for careers teachers; and

• the implications of funding shortfalls for NIBEP's future activities.

4.10pm. Mrs Nelis left the meeting.

7. Any Other Business

Members considered a draft Forward Work Programme until the Summer Recess. Members noted that, as previously agreed, the Committee would meet with the National Assembly for Wales Committee for Education and Lifelong Learning on 12 June 2001. A final decision on the timing of the visit to Denmark would be made at the next meeting. It was agreed that Mrs Catherine Bell, from the Further Education Division in DHFETE would be asked to give evidence on 21^st June 2001, and that no further evidence sessions would be scheduled in relation to the current Inquiry.

Action: Clerk

It was agreed that the Chairman and Deputy Chairman should meet with representatives of the Northern Ireland Training Councils and Food and Drink Training Council.

Action: Clerk

Members directed the Clerk to liase with the Clerk of the Committee of the Centre on a response to the Single Equality Bill.

Action: Clerk

Members noted that the Chairman was to address the Association of University Teachers at an event, which he was hosting, in the Long Gallery on Thursday 28 June 2001 at 4.30pm.

In relation to the Committee's Report on the Department for Learning and Employment Bill, members agreed that the Minister should be offered the opportunity to move the amendments contained in the Report. If the Minister was unwilling to do this, the Chairman would table the amendments in the Bill Office.

Action: Clerk

On Tuesday 12 June 2001 with the Welsh Assembly Committee at 11.30am in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.

The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 4.40pm.

Dr Esmond Birnie MLA
Chairman, Committee for Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment
14 June 2001

24 May 2001 / Menu / 12 June 2001