ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
Tuesday 14 December 1999 at 10.15am in Room 135 Parliament Buildings

Present: Mr P Doherty (Chairperson)
Mr S Neeson (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr W Clyde
Ms P Lewsley
Dr A McDonnell
Ms J Morrice
Mr D Shipley Dalton

In attendance: Mrs C White
Mr J Nesbitt
Mr M Anderson
Miss J Presho

In attendance for part of meeting: Mr B Robinson (IDB)
Mr M Patterson (IDB)
Mr C Buckland (LEDU)
Mr J Sayers (LEDU)
Mr K McCann (LEDU)
Mr G McConnell (IRTU)
Bernie O'Hare (IRTU)
Mr M Alexander (NITB)
Mr D Cartmill (NITB)

Apologies: Mr A Attwood
Mr G Campbell

1. Chairperson's business

The Chairperson reported that he had received a letter from the Chairperson of the "Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Businesses" who would be visiting NI in the year 2000 and would like to meet the Committee during their visit. It was agreed that a reply could be sent accepting their request for a meeting.

2. Any other business

There was no other business.

3. Presentation by IDB - Mr B Robinson and Mr M Patterson

Mr Robinson gave a presentation on the work of IDB; this was followed by a question and answer session. A number of areas were covered including - economic trends, impact of investment on TSN areas, new industries attracted to NI, value for money, and the threat to sectors such as clothing/textiles.

Mr Robinson agreed to let the Committee know what visits were planned by IDB for the next few months.

4. Presentation by LEDU - Mr C Buckland, Mr J Sayers, and Mr K McCann

Mr Buckland gave a presentation on the work of LEDU; this was followed by a question and answer session. A number of areas were covered including employment growth, new technology, external sales, and TSN.

5. Presentation by IRTU - Mr G McConnell and Bernie O'Hare

Mr McConnell gave a presentation on the work of IRTU; this was followed by a question and answer session. The issues covered included - the services provided by IRTU, investment in R&D, NI Science Park, TSN, ICT and E Commerce, and biotechnology. Mr McConnell invited the Committee to visit the organisation at its premises in Lisburn.

6. Presentation by NITB - Mr M Alexander and Mr D Cartmill

Mr Alexander gave a presentation on the work of NITB; the presentation was followed by a question and answer session. The areas covered included - numbers of visitors, access routes, environmental impact, bed space, and criteria for financial assistance. Mr Alexander also mentioned that NITB would have an input into the new tourist company being set up under Strand Two of the Belfast Agreement.

7. Date of next meeting

The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Wednesday 12 January 2000 at 10.15am in Room 144 Parliament Buildings.

Mr P Doherty

(Chairperson)

13 December 1999 / Menu / 12 January 2000