PRESS RELEASE

7 September 2007

ECONOMY SHOULD BE A KEY PRIORITY FOR THE EXECUTIVE

This week’s meeting of the Economic Development Forum underlined the importance of the economy for future Executive policy making.

Earlier this week the Economic Development Forum (EDF) held its second meeting since the restoration of devolution. The meeting focused on actions to increase the size of the private sector and enhance its performance in the key areas of productivity and wealth creation.

The meeting was chaired by the Economy Minister, Nigel Dodds and attended by the Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, and the Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy. A full representation of EDF members from business, the voluntary and community sector, higher and further education, trade unions, farming and government also took part.

Members emphasised to Ministers the importance of prioritising the economy as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review and the Investment Strategy. Entrepreneurship, skills and careers advice, and their role in levering greater levels of wealth and prosperity, were also discussed.

The overall message from the Forum’s members is that a more vibrant private sector can not only raise overall levels of prosperity but also help address some of the key social challenges facing Northern Ireland.

Speaking after the meeting Mr Dodds remarked: “It is encouraging to see the consensus among all the stakeholders on the importance of the economy in the context of the Programme for Government and the Comprehensive Spending Review.”

The Minister went on to say: “A stronger private sector is uniquely able, not only to raise levels of wealth in Northern Ireland but also to help address many of the social issues currently facing the region.”

Notes to Editors

• EDF was established in 1999 to provide a formal mechanism through which key organisations could advise Northern Ireland Ministers on issues relating to the development and future competitiveness of the economy. It is chaired by the Economy Minister.

• On Wednesday 5^th September, the Economic Development Forum held its 32^nd meeting and its 2^nd since the restoration of devolution.

• Dates of Forum meetings as well as background information on the work of the Forum are available from www.edfni.com. Minutes of all Forum meetings will be published on the Forum’s website once agreed by Forum members. Papers for meetings are also available on request.

• The agenda at today’s Forum meeting covered the Comprehensive Spending Review, the Investment Strategy and the work of the Forum’s Innovation, Enterprise, Skills and Infrastructure Sub-groups.

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