PRESS RELEASE

10 March 2005

 

FORUM GEARS UP TO DELIVER ECONOMIC VISION

 

Shortly after the Economic Vision for Northern Ireland was launched, members of the Economic Development Forum have moved to begin tracking its implementation.

 

Four Sub-groups of the Forum have been established in line with the four Vision drivers, namely Innovation, Enterprise, Skills and Infrastructure.  The Sub-groups will be chaired by David Dobbin, Confederation of British Industry; Lord Rana, NI Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Michael Maguire, Institute of Directors; and Jim McCusker, NI Committee, Irish Congress of Trade Unions, respectively.  A key role for the Sub-groups will be to prioritise the issues to be addressed in relation to each of the Vision drivers.

 

Welcoming this swift response to the publication of the Vision, Enterprise Minister and Chairman of the Forum, Barry Gardiner MP, said:  “When I published the Economic Vision last week, I emphasised the importance of all sectors working in partnership to make this Vision a reality for Northern Ireland.  This is not just Government’s Vision and Government alone cannot deliver it.  I am delighted, but not surprised, at the swift response of the social partners.  Members of the Forum have played a key role in shaping the Vision and are clearly ready to drive this process forward.”

 

David Dobbin, chair of the Innovation Sub-group said: “If the aspirations of the Economic Vision are to be realised, it is vital that we have a clear understanding of what is happening in the economy and identify any gaps or opportunities which may exist.  These Sub-groups will examine in detail the four drivers which underpin the Vision so that we have a firm understanding of current activities and can respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.  This will be a proactive role for EDF.  Members will be forward-looking, offer constructive challenge and endeavour to make a real and meaningful contribution to the policy development process.”

 

The decision to establish this series of Sub-groups was taken at a meeting of the Forum held at the University of Ulster on 2 March.  In addition to exploring the role of the Forum in tracking implementation of the Vision, members also discussed the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s Research Agenda for 2005 – 2008 and plans by the Department for Employment and Learning to take forward implementation of the FE Means Business strategy.

 

Notes TO Editors

 

1.         Membership of the four Vision Sub-groups will be as follows:

 

INNOVATION	Chair	David Dobbin
	Deputy Chair	John Mann
		Bob Barbour
		Fabian Monds
		Representative of DETI
		Representative of DEL
ENTERPRISE	Chair	Lord Rana
	Deputy Chair	Seamus McAleavey
		Representative of FSB
		Patricia McKeown
		Representative of DFP
		Representative of DETI
SKILLS	Chair	Michael Maguire
	Deputy Chair	Tom Gillen
		Raymond Mullan
		Anne O’Reilly
		Representative of DE
		Representative of DEL
INFRASTRUCTURE	Chair	Jim McCusker
	Deputy Chair	Richard Sterling
		John Gilliland
		Michael McGuckin
		Representative of DFP
		Representative of DRD

 

2.     Further information about the Economic Development Forum can be viewed or downloaded at the Forum’s website at www.edfni.com

 

3.     The Economic Vision for Northern Ireland can be accessed at www.detini.gov.uk and www.pfgbudgetni.gov.uk

 

4.     Media enquiries to DETI Press Office on 9052 9353 or email: pressoffice@detini.gov.uk