A Fermanagh fire-fighter has recently graduated from a pioneering cross-border innovation management programme delivered by the University of Ulster and Letterkenny Institute of Technology.

Fergal Leonard, from Brookeborough, who is District Commander for Omagh Fire and Rescue Service, received his Masters degree at a ceremony in Belfast Castle.

The programme, which was set up in 2003, was designed in response to the challenges of providing better public services, focused on the needs of the citizen. It is jointly accredited by the University of Ulster and the Republic of Ireland's Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC).

The Masters is a joint award between the University of Ulster and HETAC. The programme is managed by the Department of International Business in the University's Ulster Business School and by the School of Business at Letterkenny Institute of Technology.

Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson was guest of honour at the ceremony where 19 civil servants - 11 from Northern Ireland and eight from the Republic – were presented with their MSc Innovation Management in the Public Service certificates.

The graduates come from a diverse range of civil service sectors, including the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Garda Siochana and the Department of Finance and Personnel.

Minister Wilson said: "This Masters course in Innovation Management in the Public Service has focused on developing senior managers for their roles within an ever-changing public service and today's graduation formally confirms the investment made by my Department and the Department of the Taoiseach in Dublin in this unique course and its students.

"I offer my warmest congratulations to each and every one here in achieving this MSc qualification and wish you all well for your future."

The University of Ulster's Vice-chancellor, Professor Richard Barnett, hosted the ceremony alongside Paul Hannigan from Letterkenny Institute of Technology and Gearoid Ó Conluain of Higher Education and Awards Council (HETAC), in the Republic of Ireland.

Professor Barnett said: "Graduation ceremonies are a time both for celebration and for giving thanks. Those of you graduating today have every right to be proud of your achievements, especially since you studied at Masters level part-time while holding down demanding jobs in the civil service. I wish you all every success in the future."