NI Question Time

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Employment Minister Sir Reg Empey answered questions, on 11 October 2010.

Martin McGuinness updated the assembly on his and the First Minister's discussions with the Treasury concerning government finance.

He said the prospect of the Northern Ireland block grant falling by almost 50% in real terms by 2014-15 was totally unacceptable.

The minister said he and Peter Robinson had put the case to the Chancellor and reinforced the arguments when meeting the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg. They had also written to the prime minister seeking an urgent meeting.

Mr McGuinness confirmed for the DUP's Simon Hamilton that the question of the £18bn for capital building promised by the Labour government was raised during the recent meetings with the government.

The Deputy First Minister criticised the Ulster Unionist Party saying that at a time of economic peril there was a party in the house that had been most unhelpful.

In Education and Learning questions, Conall McDevitt from the SDLP asked the minister to confirm that university education should be for those who would benefit from it rather than for those who can afford it. He asked for future plans on student loans and tuition fees.

Sir Reg Empey said he would be making a statement on this issue the following day.