PRESS RELEASE

26 September 2006

 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM DISCUSSES THE REFORM AGENDA AND NI’S REGIONAL ECONOMIC STRATEGY

 

The Government’s Reform Agenda and the Northern Ireland draft Regional Economic Strategy were the main focus of discussion at the 29th meeting of the Economic Development Forum (EDF) held recently at Belfast Castle.

 

The meeting was chaired by Enterprise Minister, Maria Eagle MP, and was joined by Finance Minister, David Hanson MP and by representatives of Northern Ireland’s five main political parties.  A full representation of EDF members from business, the voluntary and community sector, higher and further education, trade unions, farming and government also attended.

 

Opening the meeting Maria Eagle said: “The Forum has a key role in challenging all partners to deliver the Economic Vision for Northern Ireland.  Both the plenary and sub-groups are continuing to make a significant contribution to economic development.”

 

Commenting on aspects of the Reform Agenda, David Hanson said:  “I welcome the support of EDF members for many aspects of the Reform Agenda.  Ultimately, it will lead to a more dynamic and sustainable economic future for everyone in Northern Ireland.  It is vital that the momentum for change is maintained.”

 

“With regard to RPA and Civil Service reform, I would emphasise my commitment to ensuring that public sector reform is about providing a better service for customers, not stripping out jobs.”

 

Addressing the concerns of local politicians about domestic rating reform, Mr Hanson highlighted that the reforms to domestic rating will result in a fairer system.

 

Those attending the meeting were provided with a copy of the latest revision to the draft Regional Economic Strategy.  It was agreed that DFP and EDF’s Medium Term Strategic Priorities Sub-Group would work together to identify and agree the targets in the strategy.

 

Members also received a presentation from John Gilliland on the work of the Foresight Leadership Group of the Food Strategy Implementation Partnership and received progress reports from each of the Forum’s Sub-Groups.

 

Maria Eagle took the opportunity to welcome the current Northern Ireland Chairs of the Institute of Directors, Frank Bryan, and the Confederation of British Industry, Declan Billington, to their first meeting of the Forum.  She thanked them for agreeing to take over from David Dobbin and Michael Maguire respectively as Chairs of the Forum’s Innovation and Skills Sub-Groups.

 

Notes to Editors

 

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

 

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