Assembly Agriculture Committee member David Ford has welcomed the Government’s response to the O’Hare Review of agri-food education and R&D.
Mr Ford stated: “It is clear that a single DARD college will be welcomed widely, rather than the proposed amalgamation with the local Further Education institutes.
“The new research body will need both guaranteed funding and a robust business plan. It is important that DARD provides the necessary support to get it established, while allowing it to operate at arms length.”
Mr Ford added: “The Minister must make clear what will happen to the Newforge facility if neither Queen’s nor the University of Ulster puts forward an appropriate bid.”
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