Bursary students 2011 – 2012

Katrina Walsh

Age: 21
Qualifications: BA European Studies
Assembly Office: Research

I am currently working on research requests on mainly environmental issues, such as plastic bag charges and windfarms. This involves reading articles, journals and legislation relating to a particular topic and compiling objective and coherent reports.

Leigh Egerton

Age: 22
Qualifications: BA (Hons) Modern History and Politics and MA International Relations (both from Queen's). I am in the research office.
Assembly Office: Research

I monitor the information coming out of the EU to see what will eventually become applicable to Northern Ireland. I have been doing some work for the Assembly and Executive Review Committee on how possible changes to parts III and IV of the Northern Ireland Act will affect the future running of the Assembly. I am also currently monitoring the waiting lists for NI hospital appointments.

Gary Cocker

Age: 22
Qualifications: MA (Hons) International Relations and Politics (University of Dundee)
Assembly Office: Committee for the Office of the First and deputy First Minister

Currently working on legislative proposals to reform and update the office of the Northern Ireland Ombudsman via a Committee Bill. This will be the first piece of legislation to have been initiated by a statutory Committee under the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Aine Gallagher

Age: 23
Qualifications: BA (Hons) History & Politics; MA Political Philosophy
Assembly Office: Committee for Finance & Personnel

Currently assisting in the production of the Committee's report on the Large Retail Levy and Small Business Rates Relief and working on Terms of Reference for a potential Committee inquiry.

Fergal Campbell

Age: 23
Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Public Relations (University of Ulster)
Assembly office: Research and Committee for Enterprise, Trade & Investment.

I am currently working on Research & Development in the UK for the Committee for Enterprise, Trade & Investment. I also work with the research service on Members and committee queries.

Trása Canavan

Age: 24
Qualifications: BA (Hons) History, Politics and International Relations.
Assembly Office: Currently working in the Bill Office contributing to the daily running of the office.

This involves supporting the legislative process through organising the progress of a Bill from its introduction through to Royal Assent. Much activity concerns the supporting the consideration of legislation and any subsequent amendments, and liaising with third parties where appropriate. The placement at the hub of legislative activity is an ideal focal point from which to understand the primacy aim of the Assembly as a legislature.