To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she has any plans to reduce university fees in Northern Ireland for the 2021/22 academic year to encourage young people to attend higher education at a time when they are unable to supplement income through employment in the service and hospitality sector.

I have no plans to amend university fees for the 2021/22 academic year.

However, my Department delivers financial support to eligible Northern Ireland students through Student Finance NI in the form of maintenance loans and maintenance grants as a contribution towards students’ living costs during the academic year.

Prospective students should ensure that they look online at www.studentfinanceni.co.uk for all the financial assistance to which they may be entitled.

Students at Northern Ireland’s universities who find themselves in financial hardship may also be eligible to receive an award from the Support Funds made available by the Department, and managed by the higher education institutions.