'New agri-research facility needs proper support'

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 31st Mar 2003

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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