Dr. Anne Taheny:

It would be remiss of us not to seek the assistance, guidance and advice of the committee in our efforts to obtain additional funding for these flagship cross-Border initiatives. We are fully aware of the extreme budgetary pressures impacting on Government expenditure. We are subject to such pressures and associated challenges on a daily basis. Cognisant of the committee’s overarching remit regarding the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement as it pertains to education, we would welcome any advice and assistance it may offer in this area.

The commitment to continue to progress closer collaboration between St. Angela’s College, Sligo and the school of education at the University of Ulster will facilitate greater understanding and sharing of expertise and afford further access for practitioners in the region. Through this collaboration, it is possible to progress educational and research opportunities in teacher education in the region and on an all-island basis. I acknowledge the significant effort my colleagues in the school of education at the University of Ulster and St. Angela’s College have put in to promoting and progressing the initiatives we have outlined, to which both institutions are fully committed. It would be encouraging were our joint efforts to receive the endorsement of the committee in respect of the cross-Border collaboration to which both institutions are committed.