Belfast Telegraph 1/12/08
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has announced a wide ranging review of her department and Invest Northern Ireland's economic development policy.
The minister said the independent review of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment would be "a very important exercise" as it comes at a time when the economy is the Executive's top priority.
Mrs Foster made the announcement to members of the Assembly at Stormont yesterday.
She said: "The Executive is already taking measures to help businesses cope with the significant short-term pressures stemming from the global downturn.
"However, we also need to keep focused on the medium to longer term priorities for the economy that are set out in the Programme for Government.
"This is strategically a very important exercise that comes at a crucial time for the Northern Ireland economy.
"Given the medium to longer term focus of this review, I am looking for evidence-based recommendations that will help strengthen our competitive position and to put us in pole position for when the global economy begins to strengthen."
The minister highlighted three key areas she wants the review to report on.
Firstly, the review should ensure DETI and Invest NI's policies and programmes are able to deliver on the productivity goal contained in the Executive's Programme for Government, she said.
Secondly, it should identify whether any new policies are necessary, taking into account the legislative powers of the Assembly.
Thirdly, it should consider if there are any issues that risk compromising the delivery of the Programme for Government's productivity goal, but which fall to other departments.
Professor Richard Barnett, vice chancellor of the University of Ulster, will chair the review panel.
Website development and website design by Tibus Northern Ireland