Alliance calls for student funding review
14 August 2002
On the eve of this years A-level results Alliance Youth Affairs Spokesperson Michael Long has called on the Minister for Education and Learning Carmel Hanna to look again at the issue of student finance and scrap tuition fees.
The call was made in a week through in which changes in England will result in Northern Ireland students facing amongst the worst levels of financial support in these islands. At the same time a NatWest Survey has revealed that half of those who have not pursued a University career did not do so because of fears of acquiring huge financial debt.
Councillor Long said:
“At a time when potential students are considering their options its clear that local students deserve a better deal. This week even the SDLP’s Education Spokesperson, Tommy Gallagher has called for tuition fees to be scrapped, and described existing provision as not being realistic. Surely it is now up to his party colleague Carmel Hanna to act and Alliance is calling for tuition fees to be scrapped immediately.
“The NatWest survey again underlines the fact that fear of acquiring debts is deterring potential students. Alliance firmly believes that a fairer deal for students is the only way to attract more people from disadvantaged groups and low income backgrounds.
“It is time that Carmel Hanna went back to the drawing board as her current policy would definitely not achieve pass grades from local students.”
ENDS
Showing posts with label Michael Long. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michael Long. Show all posts
14 August 2002
15 October 1998
Alliance backs Lords reform
Alliance Youth Affairs Spokesperson, Michael Long, has indicated his support for the debate on reforming the House of Lords during which the Governmemt has decided to abolish hereditary peerages.
Mr Long welcomed this decision saying:
"It is high time that this institution was overhauled so that the second chamber at Westminister is more representative of the general public. This decision to abolish hereditary peerages is a step in the right direction as this group is totally unrepresentative of the public at large. Apparently 45% of them were educated at Eton whilst both women and young people are hugely under represented.
"The Alliance Party believe that abolition of hereditary peerages should be followed to further reform so that the second chamber is more inclusive, so better fulfilling its function as a check on the government.
"It is time that those from all social classes and both genders were represented more fully, and as youth affairs spokesperson I feel that it is vital that all age groups are more equally represented through the appointment of more younger members. This will mean that the views of young people can be better heard and so more effectively represented."
Mr Long welcomed this decision saying:
"It is high time that this institution was overhauled so that the second chamber at Westminister is more representative of the general public. This decision to abolish hereditary peerages is a step in the right direction as this group is totally unrepresentative of the public at large. Apparently 45% of them were educated at Eton whilst both women and young people are hugely under represented.
"The Alliance Party believe that abolition of hereditary peerages should be followed to further reform so that the second chamber is more inclusive, so better fulfilling its function as a check on the government.
"It is time that those from all social classes and both genders were represented more fully, and as youth affairs spokesperson I feel that it is vital that all age groups are more equally represented through the appointment of more younger members. This will mean that the views of young people can be better heard and so more effectively represented."
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