PRESS RELEASE

18 June 2009

ETI 08/08/09

DIVERSITY IS GOOD FOR THE ECONOMY SAYS ETI COMMITTEE

The Northern Ireland Assembly’s Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee has condemned attacks on migrant workers as wrong and self-defeating.

The Committee, which met today for its weekly meeting, discussed the contribution that migrant workers make to the Northern Ireland economy and the image of Northern Ireland that has been portrayed across the world.

Speaking for the Committee, Chairperson Mark Durkan MP, MLA said: “These horrendous attacks have made Northern Ireland international headline news for all the wrong reasons. At a time when we are trying to sell Northern Ireland as a good place for business and tourism, these events project an image of an ugly and unwelcoming society. These attacks therefore do not just hurt innocent foreign families but our whole community. These recent events could be the make or break factor for companies deciding whether to invest here or not. We simply cannot afford for Northern Ireland to be portrayed in such a negative light.”

Deputy Chair of the Committee, Jennifer McCann said: “These appalling crimes directed towards the Romanian community are completely unwarranted, not only from a humanitarian aspect, but from an economic one as well. Romanians, as well as other migrant workers contribute greatly to our economic system on all levels.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s membership is:

Chairperson Mark Durkan MP (SDLP)
Deputy Chairperson Jennifer McCann (Sinn Fein)
Alliance         Sean Neeson
DUP              Simon Hamilton
                    Robin Newton
                    Jim Wells
Sinn Fein        Paul Butler
Independent   Gerry McHugh
SDLP             Alasdair McDonnell MP
UUP               Leslie Cree
                    Alan McFarland

All enquiries regarding the work of the Committee should be directed to the Committee Clerk, Jim McManus, Room 424, Parliament Buildings, Belfast, BT4 3XX ( 028 905 21230).

For media enquiries please contact:

Communications Office
Northern Ireland Assembly
Tel: 028 9052 1137
Email: info@niassembly.gov.uk