The North's Minister for Education, Mr John McFall, has announced a £63 million package to encourage a culture of continuous learning in Northern Ireland. A plan to create 10,000 extra places in further and higher education was also launched by the Minister.
Mr McFall also announced the linking of Stranmillis College and St Mary's College, both in Belfast, to Queen's University, Belfast. Under the new arrangements five college boards will be established which will have executive, advisory and consultative functions.