Debate contribution: Cross-border Education

Debate contribution by Ms Sinéad McLaughlin on 2 March 2026.

MLA

Ms Sinéad McLaughlin

Party at the time

Social Democratic and Labour Party

Date

2 March 2026

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Private Members' Business

Heading

Cross-border Education

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5433372

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I welcome the opportunity to speak on an issue that is fundamentally about opportunity, access and the future potential of our young people across our regions. We rightly acknowledge the positive work that has been undertaken to improve understanding between A levels and Leaving Cert qualifications. That progress reflects the simple truth that talent and ambition are not constrained by borders. However, I endorse and echo the comments made by my colleagues on the Economy Committee about the complexity that still exists between the two grading bodies. That misalignment of results places unnecessary stress on our students, who are trying to navigate all-island educational opportunities. It is on the Executive and the Irish Government to work together to ensure that publication dates are better aligned so that students have more choice. The recent announcement of a cross-border collaboration between Queen's University and the Dundalk Institute of Technology is also genuinely welcome. It is a really positive example of institutions recognising shared interests and shared opportunities. If we recognise the value of such partnerships, we must ensure that their benefits extend across all of our regions, and that, obviously, includes the north-west, because it is uniquely positioned to benefit from increased student mobility. It is a region defined by natural economic and social connections, and it operates on a cross-border basis on every strand. Strengthening cooperation between Ulster University and the Atlantic Technological University would represent a practical and strategic investment in shared regional potential. Such collaboration would expand education pathways, support research links and reinforce the north-west as a centre of skills, innovation and growth. It would also send an important signal that regional development and educational opportunity must go hand in hand. Student mobility and cooperation cannot be separated from the lived realities that face learners, wherever they come from. For many young people, the high cost of living reshapes their decisions about higher education. Rising accommodation costs and financial pressures deter capable students. Access to university should not depend on the student's ability to absorb escalating costs. Those challenges can be even greater for those considering cross-border study, particularly those who are seeking to study in places such as Trinity in Dublin. The cost of student accommodation in Dublin, even in the outskirts, is very prohibitive. It is horrendous.

Students from the South who wish to study in Northern Ireland often face confusion around student finance and support arrangements. I agree totally with Michelle that there is not a lot of information out there. You have to search for it to overcome some of the barriers. Complexity and uncertainty risk becoming barriers that undermine the very mobility that we seek to encourage. Clarity, transparency and simplicity must, therefore, be the priorities. At the same time, institutions must have the capacity to support growth. If Magee is to attract students from across the island, it must be funded properly. Expansion requires investment not only in teaching facilities but in student accommodation. Those who come to study in Derry must have access to affordable and appropriate housing. Without that foundation, growth becomes far more difficult to sustain. More broadly, our higher and further education sectors require that stability. Many institutions are operating under really sustained financial strain. Without timely intervention, the conversation shifts from growth and mobility to basic sustainability. Responsibility for addressing the structural pressures rests with the Minister for the Economy. The higher education funding review must proceed with urgency and deliver a settlement capable of supporting long-term development, wider participation and regional balance. Is it essential that we listen directly to those most affected. Student voices must be central to the discussions. That is why I —.

OK. That is why I welcome the intention of the Economy Committee to engage with student unions. Policy decisions on mobility, funding and support must be informed by the lived experience of our young people.

645 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 15:00 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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