Northern Ireland's two universities have criticised the lack of funding allocated to higher education research by the power-sharing administration in its draft budget.

The Department of Employment and Learning received an increase of 6.2% in Tuesday's �7bn draft budget, some of which will be targeted towards student support.

This includes a �5,000 increase in the threshold of the earnings of parents before they have to pay university fees to �25,000.

However, no extra cash was made available for university research - a decision that has shocked the University of Ulster and Queen's University Belfast.

George Bain: Seeking an urgent meeting with the minister

In a joint statement, Vice-Chancellors Professor Gerry McKenna and Sir George Bain have asked Employment and Learning Minister Carmel Hanna for an urgent meeting to discuss the situation.

"It is crucial that these proposals are re-examined," they said.

"Senior figures in industry and commerce recognise the pressing need to invest in research.

"Queen's and the University of Ulster researchers are the cornerstone of Northern Ireland's economic infrastructure.

"The executive is in danger of making short-term spending decisions at the expense of Northern Ireland's medium and long-term future."

Stark disparity

The statement said the decision presented immense obstacles to attracting the best minds and the best talents to Northern Ireland and pointed to numerous successful research projects at both universities in recent years as proof of the need for funding.

Gerry McKenna: Appealed to the executive to reconsider its decision

"Our research is outstanding in the critically important fields of economic regeneration, reflected in awards of international excellence in fields such as biomedical sciences, electronic engineering, mechanical and aeronautical engineering, physics, computer science, and the built environment.

"We have two of the best universities in the United Kingdom, both high performing and widely respected. What we need is a level playing field, with investment in our research and development activities on a par with other universities in England, Scotland and Wales.

"We need our own devolved government to be forward looking and to show faith in our ability to deliver. The investment is badly needed and it is needed now."

Health was the main beneficiary of the finance minister Sean Farren's "radical and reforming" draft.

Proposals to allocate the department more than �3bn, will not only allow the department to maintain its services, but also to fund major capital projects, such as the building of the new regional cancer centre.

Other beneficiaries include, education, with a proposed allocation of �1.5bn, agriculture and rural development which received one of the largest percentage increases, with a rise of 13% to help implement its Vision Strategy for the future of farming and culture, arts and leisure which was allocated an extra 9.9%, to implement its sports strategy, including safer sports grounds.