Date 24 August 2006

PN 08/06

Sub-group to Consider Economic Challenges Facing Northern Ireland submits its report to the Preparation for Government Committee

The sub-group today unanimously agreed its report to the Preparation for Government Committee (PfG). The report will be considered by the PfG and will be the basis of an Assembly debate on 11-12 September.

The sub-group has met on 12 occasions since its first meeting on 20 July and took oral evidence from 19 organisations and individuals and written evidence from a further 23 key interest groups.

The sub-group will meet again on 5 September 2006 to hear evidence from and question the Minister, Maria Eagle MP on the impediments to economic growth and what action has been taken by government to address them. The sub-group also hopes to take evidence from young people nominated by the NI Youth Forum and Youthnet. An addendum to its report will be submitted to PfG and will inform the Assembly debate.

 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Under the terms of the Northern Ireland Act 2006, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Peter Hain MP, wrote to the Deputy Speakers of the Assembly on 11 July 2006 to direct the Preparation for Government Committee to establish a sub-group to consider the economic challenges facing Northern Ireland. The Preparation for Government Committee subsequently met on 17 July 2006 and agreed to establish a sub-group.

The sub-group consists of two representatives from each of the parties represented on the Preparation for Government Committee. One of each of the two party representatives on the sub-group shall be a member of the Preparation for Government Committee.

The sub-group is chaired on a rotational basis by nominees from each of the parties represented on the Preparation for Government Committee. Those attending today were:

Dr Alasdair McDonnell MP
David McNarry
Sean Neeson
Dr. Esmond Birnie
Margaret Ritchie
Robin Newton
Edwin Poots
Barry McElduff
Mitchel McLaughlin
Kieran McCarthy
Jim Wells (Chairperson)

The Terms of Reference agreed for the sub-group are as follows:

• To identify the major impediments to the development of the economy in Northern Ireland
• To consider fiscal incentives that may promote foreign direct investment and indigenous investment.
• To consider how other matters including an economic package/peace dividend could contribute to economic regeneration and how this might be delivered.

Information about the work of the sub-group can be obtained from the Principal Clerk to the sub-group:

Telephone: 028 9052 1785