Author: Mark Wallace

Spratt Welcomes Minister’s Commitment to Queen’s Festival

South Belfast DUP MLA Jimmy Spratt has welcomed a commitment made in the Assembly by the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Mr Edwin Poots, in relation to the future of the Belfast Festival at Queen’s. Commenting after raising the issue of the Belfast Festival during the debate, Mr. Spratt said:

“I welcome the commitment made by the Minister following his statement on Festival Funding. It is clear that the Minister wants to remove the uncertainty over the future of Festival at Queen’s and I am delighted that the Minister has committed to working to grow the Festival.

The benefits to Northern Ireland as a result of the Festival are vast in terms of economic benefits, job creation and nurturing a world class arts scene. The Minister is clear that he wants to make this significant event even better in order to make the benefits even greater for the whole community.”

Wilson Comments on Minister’s Decision on the Future of Education

DUP East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson has welcomed a decision by the Education Minister to make a statement on the future of education in Northern Ireland. Commenting the DUP’s education spokesman said,

“The DUP has been pressing the Minister since she first came to office on this matter. A statement from the Minister is long overdue and will be welcomed by primary school principals across Northern Ireland who have been left in the dark for the last few months. I have been inundated by principals outlining that the uncertainty around post primary education was constraining them in carrying out their duties.

This statement should be definitive and should reflect the views of parents and teachers alike. The last thing we need on this subject is more ambiguity and a refusal to take cognisance of the views expressed to the Department on selection through a variety of mechanisms.

The DUP has been very clear in recognising that the transfer test is not ideal and should be reformed but we made it clear at St Andrews, and won a legislative change, that academic selection will be retained. Our approach to education is the envy of Great Britain and the Minister should ensure that any new system gives students the option to choose what school they attend. There should be an option for those of a more academic mindset and also for those of a more vocational mindset.

We want to work with the Minister to get an agreed way forward which can ensure that Northern Ireland continues to have an education system which is envied well beyond these shores. We must not get to a situation where change is being introduced for the sake of change. I trust that the Minister will give due consideration to her decision and will recognise that the education of children is much too important to be turned into a political football.”

New Cancer Research Centre at Queen’s Welcomed

DUP Health Spokesperson, Iris Robinson MP, MLA said today:

“The new Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology at Queen’s University confirms Belfast as an international centre of excellence for cancer research. More than 300 researchers from around the world will be based there.

The new research centre has been built next to the Regional Cancer Centre on the Belfast City Hospital site. Strong links between clinical practice and the research centre highlight the importance of technology and innovation in tackling this disease, which is likely to claim the life of one in three people in Northern Ireland.

An international research partnership has recently been developed between Queen’s University and the Indian Ministry of Biotechnology to explore new ways of understanding and treating cancer. Northern Ireland is developing strong connections worldwide.

Last year when in Washington I had the opportunity to meet with Robert Clarke, originally from Northern Ireland, who was Professor of Oncology at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Cancer Centre. The tri-partite co-operation between Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the National Cancer Institute in the United States is making an important contribution to the fight against cancer.”

Remembrance Sunday @ Queen’s University

On Sunday 11th of November 2007 officers of the DUA laid a wreath as part of the official Queen’s University Act of Remembrance.

The Association was represented by Thomas Hogg (Chairman), Stephen Dunne (Press Officer) and Ian Gow (Deputy Chief Whip). Wreaths were also laid on behalf of the Ulster Society and the recently formed Orange Society.

“In remembrance of all those who laid down their lives, for freedom, in two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. Also in memory of Edgar Graham, Assembly member and law lecturer at this University, murdered by the enemies of Ulster. Lest We Forget – No Surrender.”

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Events

2010 – 2011

September

Wed. 29th: Freshers’ Bazaar

October

Wed. 6th: Association Meeting – Guest Speaker Jimmy Spratt MLA

Thu. 7th: Bowling trip

Tue. 19th and Tue. 26th: Student Council elections

November

Wed. 3rd: Association Meeting – Guest Speaker Paul Frew MLA

Sun. 14th: QUB Remembrance Ceremony

Fri. 26th and Sat. 27th: DUP Party Conference

December

Wed. 1st: Association Meeting – Guest Speaker Lord Morrow MLA

Wed. 8th: Tour of Belfast City Hall

February

Wed. 2nd: Association Meeting

Refreshers’ Bazaar

March

Wed. 2nd: Association Meeting

April

Wed. 13th: Association AGM

Annual Dinner

Other events will be arranged and prior notification will be given to all members.
For more information please contact us by e-mail: queensdua@hotmail.com