WEST Belfast MP Paul Maskey has met with Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA and representatives from St Mary’s University College to discuss the college’s future and the support required to ensure it can continue to serve students and the wider community.
The meeting focused on the sustainability of small and specialist higher education institutions, as well as the wider contribution St Mary’s makes to education, skills, community engagement and the local economy.
Speaking following the meeting, Paul Maskey MP said: “St Mary’s University College plays a vital role in the life of West Belfast and makes an important contribution to education, skills and opportunity across our community.
“It was very positive to meet with the Economy Minister and representatives from St Mary’s to discuss the support needed to ensure the College can continue to deliver for students and for the wider community.
“Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to create opportunity, improve life chances and strengthen our local economy. I will continue to support St Mary’s and work with the College and the Minister to ensure its important role in West Belfast is recognised and properly supported.”
Professor Peter Finn from St Mary’s University College said the meeting had provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges facing smaller and specialist institutions within the higher education sector.
“St Mary’s had a constructive meeting with the Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA on issues relating to the sustainability of small and specialist institutions of higher education in the challenging financial circumstances of our times.
"I was pleased to be accompanied at the meeting by Paul Maskey MP who highlighted the community engagement work of St Mary’s University College including its role in Féile an Phobail.”
Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald also highlighted the importance of St Mary’s and other higher education institutions to local communities, noting their contribution extends beyond education.
“It is always great to get out to St Mary’s," said the Minister. "Our higher education institutions are so valuable to our communities, not only providing educational opportunities but also delivering significant wider community benefits.
“I am delighted to be able to continue to support St Mary’s, recognising the important role it plays as a smaller higher education institution, particularly in providing opportunities for students and supporting the needs of our local communities and economy.
“Institutions like St Mary’s make a huge contribution, and I look forward to continuing to work with the college to support its future and ensure that students continue to have access to high-quality higher education here in Belfast.”
