A MEETING held today to discuss the future of the Isle of Man College refectory has been described as "extremely positive" by the Minister for Education and Children.

In June the Department announced that it has started consultation with refectory staff and their union representatives over how increasing deficits could be eliminated and the facility run at no cost to the taxpayer.

Refectory staff, management and their union, Unite, presented their proposals to Minister Eddie Teare MHK and Department representatives at a meeting this morning (Monday).

The Minister said: "The information presented to us needs further assessment. However, I am confident there is a way forward and am pleased with how matters are progressing.

"I thank the staff, management and union representatives for their constructive input and we will continue to discuss the way forward with them."

A consultation period which was set to end on July 30 was extended until the end of September.