To ask the Minister for the Economy what actions she is taking, in conjunction with the Minister of Education, to address issues of the duplication of courses between further education colleges and sixth forms at secondary schools.

The potential for duplication of provision and competition between schools and FE colleges for post-16 learners is one of the key challenges raised in a baseline document, which has been provided to both the Minister of Education and I for consideration as part of the Transition of Young People into Careers (14-19) Project.

We are currently reviewing how this issue and the other issues raised in the document can best be addressed as part of a joined up approach between our Departments in order to ensure that all learners have access to the training and education pathways which best meet their needs.