One man in Armagh wondered why Scottish university students aren’t required to pay for university fees while in Northern Ireland, students have no choice but to pay for a university education.
Stephen Farry spoke of how the Assembly have a block budget allocated to them and how free university fees would lead to greater expense elsewhere [...]

When asked about the introduction of tax varying powers to the Assembly, most of the panel believed it would be a good thing. Stephen Farry said it would bring a greater degree of ‘responsibility and accountability’. Mickey Brady said Sinn Fein were ‘very much in favour. The only person to disagree was Danny Kennedy, [...]

The review of funding for special educational needs and how it should be allocated by the Assembly was a topic of concern for one local woman in Armagh. She wanted to know how the money would be used. Mickey Brady was able to confirm that there is indeed a review going on but was unsure [...]

Going outside the general themes of the evening, there was some fun as people discussed the Irish rugby team’s success and what the Assembly can do to engage with, and learn from, the team’s sporting triumph.

Is the Irish Rugby team a model of success that we can all learn from?

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The health concerns in relation to high voltage power lines were raised in Armagh. One local woman urged the Assembly representatives to act according to local community issues and put a proposed interconnector underground.
William Irwin voiced his agreement with local people and their concerns: “I support the undergrounding of the cable. This is one of [...]

The current issue of devolving policing and justice to Northern Ireland raised questions about who the new department and Minister would be answerable to.
Stephen Farry of the Alliance Party said: “Any Minister will be part of the Executive and will be held accountable within that wider context as well. There will be a dedicated department, [...]