Bursary Students 2012 - 2013

Name: Laura McCourt

Age: 22

Qualifications: BA Honours Politics (Queen’s University Belfast)

Assembly Office: Research

I mainly carry out research on environmental issues and education. I am currently working on research requests from Members and Committees on issues regarding the calculation of surplus places in schools and graduated driver licensing. Researchers within the Assembly provide a vital informative service for individual Members and Committees on any matter. This placement allows me to gather a deeper understanding of many different areas whilst enhancing my research and writing skills.  

Name: Gavin Moore

Age: 24

Qualifications: BA in International Studies w/ Politics (First grade); MA in Comparative Ethnic Conflict (Distinction grade) – both at Queen’s University Belfast

Assembly Office: Committee for Finance and Personnel

I am currently assisting the Committee in developing a scrutiny tool that will help Members assess the performance of bodies within the Department of Finance and Personnel, demonstrating whether benefits outlined in original business cases have been realised.  I have also worked on many aspects of the Air Passenger Duty (Setting of Rate) Bill through its various stages, including researching latest developments both here and at Westminster surrounding Air Passenger Duty.   

Name: Gareth Brown

Age 22

Qualifications: BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Assembly Office: Public Finance Research Team, RaISe

To date, I have worked on a number of research papers for Members and recently, prepared and orally presented a paper to the Committee for Finance and Personnel. I am part of a number of on-going projects focusing on: the analysis of current public expenditure datasets; and, the potential uses of this analysis in enhancing the capacity for financial scrutiny within the Assembly. In addition, I am beginning work on a project that feeds into the overall Members Development project.

Name: Brian Mahon

Age: 22

Qualifications: B.A International in History, Politics and International Relations (HPIR)

Office: Committee for Regional Development

I am currently working on an inquiry into integrated public and community transport. This involves researching the topic at hand with the Research team while also liaising and working with outside groups who are involved in the transport industry. I have briefed the Committee on the submissions received from the consultation period and have travelled with a delegation to London for an integrated transport conference.

Name: Caoimhe McElduff

Age: 21

Qualifications: LLB in Law (University of Manchester)

Office: Bill Office

I am currently shadowing both the Air Passenger Duty (Setting of Rate) Bill and the Criminal Justice Bill and have produced various briefings and pieces of work in relation to these. I am also working on a Bill which is currently in development and have been preparing a piece of research for this. At the moment I am putting together a presentation on Private Member’s Bills to deliver to the other students during their Bill Office training.

Name: Donie O’Sullivan

Age: 21

Qualifications: History, Politics and International Relations BA. University College Dublin (UCD)

Assembly Office: Research and Information Service

Working as part of the research team that covers enterprise, trade, investment, employment and learning, social development, statistics and geographical information. Currently working on research queries from private Members and the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee.  Also conducting research on parliamentary committees’ rates of churn.

Name: Ursula Savage

Age:  21

Qualifications:  LLB Law and Politics (2:1) from Queen’s University Belfast

Assembly Office:  Committee for Education

I’m currently working with the Committee for Education, which deals with many different issues effecting education in Northern Ireland. 

The Committee Stage of the Education Bill is currently taking place, which involves taking submissions and evidence from stakeholders and scrutinising the wording of the Bill.  The Committee also organises stakeholder events relating to issues and concerns in Education, such as the Area Planning process or the new Priorities for Youth policy.