3.The statutory position of Stranmillis University College is inconsistent with that of other providers of higher education and teacher training in Northern Ireland. The other higher education institutions are legally independent corporate institutions accountable through a governing body which carries ultimate responsibility for all aspects of the institution. Stranmillis College, however, is not legally distinct from the Department for Employment and Learning. This Order is required to secure an appropriate statutory basis for Stranmillis College and its governance arrangements thus establishing Stranmillis as a legally distinct institution similar to other higher education institutions in Northern Ireland.