Advice issued to schools

Advice has been issued to schools following the recent extreme weather conditions to ensure as many as possible can reopen after the holiday break.



Education Minister Caitríona Ruane said: "We currently have schools right across the north affected as a result of the severe weather and ongoing thaw. The problems identified include lack of mains water supply, burst pipes, broken boilers and damaged ceilings. I would thank all principals and education sector staff who have been checking schools to assess if any damage has been caused. Problems may, however, continue to emerge in coming days and inspections of all schools should continue. I would pay particular tribute to the maintenance staff in all areas who worked over the holiday period to safeguard school premises. 



"My officials have been in contact with the schools managing authorities to ensure all affected schools are operational as soon as possible.


"As we are expecting colder weather to return it is important that schools take adequate precautions to protect their buildings from further damage." 



The Department of Education will be advised by NI Water on Sunday 2 January of areas where interruptions to mains water supply may impact on schools. On the morning of Monday 3 January Education and Library Boards will advise the Department of schools which will be prevented from reopening as planned. 



The Education and Library Boards will communicate directly with the vast majority of schools. However, schools in the voluntary grammar and grant maintained integrated sectors who have a direct link with the Department in relation to capital and maintenance issues are asked to contact the Department on Monday morning between 9 am and 12 noon on 028 9127 9480, 028 9127 9481, 028 9127 9473 to advise on the latest position affecting their school. 



Notes for editors:



1. All media queries should be directed to DE Press Office on 028 9127 9701. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned. 


Executive Statement

The Executive today met in emergency session to discuss the serious problems with the supply of water.

There was considerable anger across the Ministerial spectrum about the shambolic response of NI Water which had let down the whole community. The Board of NI Water Board will meet tomorrow and then report to the Minister for Regional Development on the company's handling of events. Mr Murphy will bring a report to the Executive setting out his proposals for a full investigation into the organisation's response.

Throughout the course of the day Ministers have been engaging in a series of meetings, both within departments and on a cross departmental basis to receive reports on the up to date situation. Ministers re-iterated their determination to ensure that NI Water and other agencies are working at maximum capacity to ensure the needs of citizens are met.

Ministers have met with senior NI Water officials and pressed them for improvements to their recovery plan to restore water to homes, businesses and schools. Ministers agreed that the priority will be to protect the most vulnerable, maintain confidence in public health and ensure that businesses and schools can open after the holidays.

Ministers agreed a number of actions to better support a full restoration of supply and improvement to communications.

Water supply - In the last 48hours there has been a substantial reduction in the number of people completely without water. As N I Water work to restore supplies to all areas there will be no compromise on the quality of water provided. N I Water will also source containers for the public to store water.

Communications – In addition to the staff provided yesterday the Civil Service has provided call centre staff to NI Water to help with the large number of calls they are receiving. All information is also available on NI Direct http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/

Additional support – Ministers agreed to pursue the call centre support offered by the Secretary of State and this will augment the support already provided by the Civil Service to NI Water. A number of departments have also agreed to provide additional vehicles to support NI Water in the distribution of water supplies and equipment. The Executive also thanked the Scottish Executive for their offer of a second delivery of bottled water bringing the total to 210,000 bottles.

District Councils – All councils have activated their emergency plans and have helped with water distribution, support for the vulnerable and washing facilities for those without water. Working with NI Water, Councils will use Building Control Officers and Environmental Health Officers to check for further leaks.

Health – Health facilities including Hospitals and Care Homes will continue to be a priority, as will providing safe alternative supplies of water to the public to minimise the risk to public health. Despite these current difficulties the Health Service continues to deliver under significant stress.

Water conservation - in the current situation Ministers encourage people to conserve water as much as possible.

Schools and Colleges – Protecting teaching and learning is a priority and the Department of Education is working with Education and Library Boards, CCMS and other responsible bodies to identify leakages and ensure as many repairs as possible are completed before schools re-open next week. Heads of all educational establishments, including universities and colleges, are asked to check their premises.

Business – NI Water will work with Invest NI to ensure business continuity and minimise the impact on the economy. Like schools all business owners whose premises are currently closed are encouraged to check their premises before returning to work next week. Farmers requiring water should contact DARD or NI Water.

Emergency payments/loans – Ministers will raise with the Secretary of State the option to increase the Social Security Social Fund to help those most vulnerable. Officials have also been tasked to assess the damage to the homes of the most vulnerable.

Departmental Co-ordination - The Head of the Civil Service will continue to co-ordinate a cross departmental response to the current emergency.

In what is an unprecedented situation the Executive paid tribute to the work of public service staff, the engineers on the ground trying to restore supplies, the Local Government Emergency Management Group, local councils, the emergency services and the many organisations, volunteers and community groups who have been working around the clock to minimise the impact on local communities.

Notes to editors:

1. Consumers can contact NI Water’s Customer Services by telephone on 0845 744 0088, textphone on 0845 702 3206, typetalk on 0800 051 5446 or by email on mailto:waterline@niwater.com.
2. More information on the alternative water supplies and advice on coping without mains water can be found on the nidirect website at http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/newsroom/news-dec10-interruption-to-water-supplies-update.htm
3. Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9037 8142. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

Newton & Kelly: Government working to protect older people during cold weather

Junior Minister Robin Newton MLA and Junior Minister Gerry Kelly MLA have said that it is essential that Government does all in its powers to protect older people during the current cold weather.

Mr Newton said: "The unprecedented weather conditions pose a particular challenge to older people in our community. I would urge everyone to look out for older neighbours, relatives and friends not just during the current period of cold weather but also after the thaw.

"The situation is being continually monitored and the Emergency Planning Co-ordinating Officers within each district council along with OFMDFM and other departments and statutory agencies are in daily contact."

Mr Kelly said: "Central and local government have a co-ordinated response to what is an evolving situation and retain the ability to escalate that response should the conditions on the ground deteriorate. The situation is being kept under constant review in the coming days.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who are currently working against the elements as the Christmas holiday period begins. The entire community appreciates all that is being done on their behalf."

For further advice on dealing with the winter weather visit www.nidirect.gov.uk.

Notes to editors:

1.  Media queries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9037 8283.  Out of hours contact pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned

Finance Minister's Draft Budget 2010 statement

Finance Minister’s Draft Budget Statement - Draft Budget 2011-15

Mr Speaker,

Late last night the Executive met and agreed its draft Budget for 2011-15. I am grateful for this early opportunity to present it to this House.  While the Budget document now circulated provides considerable detail, I appreciate that Members are only getting their copies now.  This unfortunately is because of the rather late conclusion to the Executive earlier this morning. I now want to say something about the strategic context.

Less than two months ago the UK Spending Review announcement left Northern Ireland facing its most difficult fiscal environment in decades. After years of sustained Public Expenditure growth, the Coalition Government’s proposals will result in real terms reductions in spending across the UK.

Some said agreeing a draft Budget in Northern Ireland would be the biggest challenge that this Executive would face. Many said Executive agreement on a draft Budget in such circumstances would be impossible.  

And, Mr Speaker, make no mistake the ability to agree a Budget in such circumstances was a litmus test for this Executive.

But today, I am pleased to present the Executive’s draft Budget for not just one but for the next four years. We have passed the test.

Mr Speaker, this is an important day for the new devolved arrangements. I believe it is the day that the Executive came of age. We have proved that we can take difficult decisions, we have proved that we can reach agreement and we have proved that we can work together for the benefit of the people of Northern Ireland.

Before I turn to the detail I must thank my officials for the assistance that they have given me in the preparation of the draft Budget. I also thank the Ministers and officials from all the other Departments, as they have assisted over recent weeks and months. This announcement is but the culmination of many months of hard work.

Mr Speaker, this draft Budget is clear evidence of the growing maturity of the Executive. We sought to achieve a complete consensus around the Executive table and while it did not prove possible, no Minister voted to oppose the draft Budget.

With less than six months to the next Assembly election, it was always possible that some would choose to play party politics with the Budget. But the search for unanimity around the Executive table can not hold back the delivery of a Budget which will allow Departments to plan for the future. We may not have a Budget endorsed by all five parties on the Executive but crucially we do have a Budget for the next four years.

In these difficult economic times, this is not a time to play politics with people’s lives. This is a time for us all, collectively, to step up to the mark and to take responsibility for the decisions that we have to take. That is what we were elected for and that is what I have sought to do in constructing this Budget.

But Mr Speaker, may I, in the spirit of co-operation make one comment - Let those who earlier this year advocated the reductions in the level of public expenditure in Northern Ireland, at least play their part in helping to administer these reductions in the level of public expenditure.

This has not been a quick process, but in the most difficult of circumstances it was essential that we took our time and got it right. I believe that we have done that.

Three years ago my predecessor as Finance Minister, Peter Robinson, declared that, after years of Direct Rule the Executive’s first Budget was ‘Made in Northern Ireland’. Today, we face problems and challenges that are not of our making but have sought to produce home grown solutions to the problems that we have faced.  The real benefit of devolution is how we react in tough times.

Although the global economic downturn has dramatically changed the financial environment in which we all operate, the priorities we set out as an Executive at the start of this term remain. Our priority in this Budget is to stimulate the economy, tackle disadvantage, protect the most vulnerable in our society and protect front line services.  

Members will be aware that it has been a daunting task to deliver this draft Budget.  The UK Spending Review announcement on 20th October presented the Executive with a much reduced funding envelope for the coming four year period.

Current expenditure resources from Treasury will decline by 8 per cent in real terms while capital investment resources allocated to us will decline by some 40 per cent over the next spending review period.

But rather than burying our heads in the sand, we took responsibility for our future.  We argued the case for Northern Ireland at every opportunity – and we will continue to do so – but when the time came to set a Budget we got on with it.

The task confronting the Executive was to seek to enhance our spending power and allocate the scarce resources at a time when our economy is in recession and our key public services are experiencing ever higher levels of demand from the public.

This has been a long and rigorous process. The Executive, through a ministerial sub-group, examined a wide range of issues directly relevant to the establishment of this draft Budget.  I pay tribute to all Members of this group and the role they played in helping shape the Budget.

The issues the group considered included exercises to identify new sources of revenue, options for maximising receipts, constraining public sector pay as well as rationalising the number and scope of public bodies.  We also looked at how best to reduce bureaucracy and also assessed a number of proposals for new and increased charges.

The outcome of this work has been incorporated into this Budget and significant additional allocations have been made. Indeed, £842 million has been included in the proposed allocations in the draft Budget, with the remainder to be allocated over the budget period.

We have also identified a number of proposals that have some merit but need to be explored further before they can be definitively included into our Budget position.  I know that Ministers will vigorously investigate these proposals over the coming weeks.

The capacity of the Executive and Ministers to think imaginatively in the months and years ahead will play a significant factor in determining how much we can improve on the present allocations.

Mr Speaker, we are also taking significant steps to limit the pressure on public expenditure without affecting front line services. At this time of limited employment opportunity in the private sector it is essential that we seek to protect jobs in the public sector.

That is why we will mirror the UK Government’s arrangements for public sector pay and put a freeze on the annual inflationary increases for all those earning over £21,000 for the next two years. We are also putting in place a moratorium on civil service recruitment other than in exceptional circumstances.  I also believe that there is a consensus among Ministers that in these current times all Ministers agree to an arrangement that equates to a voluntary salary reduction.

We are also taking action in the area of the use of consultants. In the last few years the annual spend on consultants has reduced from £42million in 2006-07 to £21million in 2009-10.  But we want to go further. For the Budget period, the Executive has agreed a target of year on year reductions of 10% for consultancy spend and all proposed consultancy spend of £10,000 or above will require the specific prior approval of the relevant departmental Minister.  

In addition the Executive will take action on Arms Length Bodies or QUANGOs as they are also known. The Budget Review Group will review all Arms Length Bodies against agreed criteria and bring a final set of recommendations to Executive, in anticipation of a final decision before May, to facilitate a Bill to rationalise QUANGOs early in the next Assembly term.

Mr Speaker – there are a number of specific announcements that will be welcomed across Northern Ireland.

In the last Budget the Executive froze the domestic Regional Rate in cash terms for three years.  We also deferred the introduction of water charges.  As a result the average household in Northern Ireland is £1600 better off over the Assembly term than would have been the case under Direct Rule.  While a continued real terms cut in the domestic Regional Rate is unsustainable in the present fiscal environment I am committed to protecting household budgets.  I therefore propose that domestic Regional Rates will only increase by inflation for the next four years.  This modest increase is well below the trend for the last decade.  

Mr Speaker, I can also announce that the Executive has no plans to introduce separate water charges during this budget period.

As a result Northern Ireland householders will continue to have the lowest household bills in any part of the UK.

And we will continue to help business too. I propose that non domestic Regional Rates should also be limited to inflation increases over the Budget period. In terms of industrial derating, I propose continuing, over the course of the Budget, with the 30 per cent cap on the liability for manufacturing.

Unemployment has risen significantly over the past three years and although the rate of unemployment remains significantly below levels recorded in the 1980s, Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK where unemployment has continued to increase over the past six months.

It is crucial that the Executive reacts to tackle this issue wherever possible.

In response to the growing unemployment problem, the draft Budget agreed by the Executive includes funding for a package of measures to increase employment opportunities.

It is essential that we attempt to maximise job opportunities to reduce the amount of time that people are unemployed. For that reason the range of programmes and policies will focus on those sectors with the greatest scope to maximise the number of jobs created.

The current proposals include a range of measures such as grants for business starts in Neighbourhood Renewal Areas, contact centres, food processing sector, social enterprise, knowledge process outsourcing, enhanced enterprise support to disadvantaged young people and a propel programme for export starts.

The cost of the proposed package of measures is £18.8 million over the next three years and is estimated by Invest NI to result in the creation of around 4,000 additional jobs over that period growing to over 5,000 jobs over the longer term.

This package demonstrates the Executive’s commitment to helping the people of Northern Ireland through the current economic difficulties.    

In relation to corporation tax this is a key strategic issue and the Executive will have to take time to deliberate the outcome of the UK Government’s paper on rebalancing the Northern Ireland economy.  

I am pleased to announce that this draft Budget also contains provision for an assistance package for the Presbyterian Mutual Society savers.  This is financed by an additional £175 million of borrowing under the Reinvestment and Reform Initiative in 2011-12 and a contribution from the Treasury of £25 million which is matched by an equal contribution from this Executive. When the proposals are implemented this will put an end to the long nightmare faced by many PMS savers.

The most difficult decision that any Finance Minister has to address is that of resource allocation.  What is a difficult task even in benign financial times has proved extremely challenging this year.  Ministers have very many pressures on their departmental budgets and the bids advanced by them carried considerable merit.  

The key to constructing this draft Budget position was to determine the relative priorities of the Executive going forward.

Our key goal is, I believe, to put in place a Budget that facilitates economic growth and recovery.  It is only through economic growth that our wider society can advance and prosper.  Being able to offer people jobs, being able to attract foreign investment, to improve the skills base of our young people – these are the bedrock elements upon which regional wealth and prosperity are founded.

This draft Budget reflects that prioritisation.  Current expenditure allocated to the key economy departments – DETI and DEL – will increase by 3 and 1.9 per cent by the end of four year period.  This will ensure that Northern Ireland is an attractive place for business to locate within and flourish.

Other Departments will also have an important role to play in economic growth going forward.  One cutting edge example of this is the growing contribution of NI Screen to the local economy.  Northern Ireland has a wealth of creative talent and the Executive recognises the positive impact that major productions have on our economy.  We are committed to ensuring that high quality production facilities are in place to foster this growth and we will therefore allocate some £5.0 million to this area.

It is also essential that this Budget reflects the priorities of the people of Northern Ireland. And in this regard no service is more important than the Health Service.  That is why, even in the most difficult financial situation the Executive has agreed to afford a degree of protection to the health budget.  That is why we ringfenced and put in place full protection for the health element of the DHSSPS budget. Indeed, when factoring in the efficiency targets and service reductions that will apply in the other UK regions I would suggest that the Health Service in Northern Ireland has received the most beneficial settlement anywhere in the UK.  It will now be for the Health Minister to determine how best to use those resources.  I would expect him to put in place plans to take forward productivity and efficiency improvements in the sector.  While we are determined to continue to invest in the Health Service it must be accompanied by the requirement to constantly improve its performance.

This draft Budget also reflects the concern of Ministers to assist those most in need in the current difficult economic environment.  The Executive will therefore set up a Social Investment Fund, administered from OFMDFM, that will provide some £20 million annually to take forward specific area-improvement projects in these communities.  The Executive will also establish a £20 million Social Protection Fund to assist those in severe hardship as a result of the economic downturn.  This Fund, with an initial allocation of £20 million 2011-12 will then draw upon the additional new revenue streams that Ministers are to take forward.

Other initiatives within the draft Budget include a commitment to participate in the Green New Deal – an initiative that will leverage in significant private sector investment – resulting in lower levels of waste, greater energy efficiency and many thousands of new jobs in the local construction industry.  

The Executive has also commissioned the Environment Minister to take forward the introduction of a plastic bags levy in Northern Ireland.  While the amount of revenue generated, at some £4million per annum, is low – it does bestow significant wider benefits, particularly to the environment.

As I have previously indicated, there is a strong commitment on the part of the Executive to ensure that every possible measure is taken to assist the local economy.  When the UK Spending Review was published in October there was much comment on the negative impact that the cut on capital investment would have on our construction sector.  In light of this concern, the Executive has agreed to reclassify in excess of £250 million current expenditure into capital investment over the period.  This will mean that by 2014-15, capital spending will total some £1.5 billion, reflecting a level of spending recorded in 2005-06.  So there are still a significant amount of capital projects to take forward over the next four years and spending in this area will be well above the long term trend.  

As a result of our investment many key projects will be able to proceed over the period. They include:

·The new police and fire service training centre

·The Altnagelvin Hospital radiography centre

·The sports stadiums

·The water and sewerage network upgrades.

Mr Speaker, in recent weeks we have heard from those who would suggest that the solution to all of our problems is simply to increase taxes and charge on hard pressed households. This not only fails to appreciate the relatively small portion of our public expenditure that is raised locally but it would also punish those that we are seeking to protect. It is not a path that this Executive will follow.  

Our priority has been to protect hard working families, not to punish them through ever higher levels of taxation.

We have constructed a Budget to seek to help people get by as much as possible in this difficult financial environment.  

Mr Speaker, Budget Allocations are not the end, but the start of the process. Our real challenge will be to deliver quality public services with the resources that have been allocated to us.  This will be more difficult in the present environment than in recent years but I believe that we can rise to that challenge.

The public consultation process will now begin and I urge all members of the public to participate in this process.  This process will not be lead by DFP but by individual Departments who will now publish their savings plans and spending proposals.  This will allow interested parties to provide the views that will shape the final Budget position that I will bring before this Assembly in February.

Mr Speaker, this has been a most challenging Budget process, but I believe it leaves us with the capacity to deliver quality public services and continue to invest in the future.

We can protect those advances that we have made in recent years in areas such as Free Prescriptions and Free Public Transport for those over 60.

We will continue to have the lowest household taxes anywhere in the United Kingdom.

We are extending the liability cap on Industrial de-rating for the next four years protecting jobs in our vital manufacturing sector.

Despite the reduction in the Public Expenditure available we are continuing to make the Health Service a key priority and providing a better Budget settlement than in either Scotland or Wales.

This Budget honours the financial package for Policing and Justice by ring-fencing its budget and it provides additional funding where it is most required.

It delivers the much needed package to help the PMS savers.

It funds the Green New Deal to deliver thousands of jobs across the construction sector.

And it funds assistance for thousands of jobs to help through the recession.

Mr Speaker, this draft Budget will allow the Executive and Assembly to continue to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland.

It shows the benefits of local decision making for local people.

It reflects the priorities of the people of Northern Ireland.

It is good for families, good for business and lays the foundation for a better future.

And it demonstrates that Northern Ireland continues to move forward.

Mr Speaker I commend this draft Budget to the House.

Notes to editors:

1.Please see following links to relevant documents: Finance Minister’s Statement - www.northernireland.gov.uk/finance-ministers-draft-budget-2010-statement; Draft Budget 2010 – www.northernireland.gov.uk/budget-2010; Consultation Response - www.northernireland.gov.uk/draft-budget2010-consultation.

2.All media queries to DFP Press Office on 028 9052 7374. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.

Consultation on 2011-15 Draft Budget

The NI Executive has proposed Spending Plans for NI departments for the four year period 2011-15.

The main consultation document is available on nidirect at the following link:

• Draft Budget 2010 - Feautured Consultations

To obtain a hard copy please telephone: 028 9185 8051

Further details are also to be published on individual departmental websites.

The consultation is due to close by 9 February 2011.
Written responses should be sent to:

Room S1, New Building
Rathgael House
Balloo Road
Bangor
BT19 7NA

Email responses may be sent to:

• budgetconsultation@nics.gov.uk

Robinson & McGuinness to hold talks with European Union Commission President

First Minister Rt. Hon. Peter D. Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA will hold talks with President Jose Manuel Barroso on Thursday regarding the future of the European Commission Special Taskforce. 



Speaking ahead of their trip to Brussels which begins tomorrow, the Ministers said that they would be using their visit to brief EU President Jose Manuel Barroso on the taskforce’s progress to date and to jointly renew their commitment to the taskforce. They will also reflect on the current financial crisis and the possible wider implications. 



Mr Robinson said: "Northern Ireland has come a long way in the years since the special taskforce was set up, but there is still considerable work to be done. It is now time to renew our commitment to the taskforce and to re-focus on the work ahead.

"Over the course of the next couple of days we will be holding meetings with some of Europe’s most senior officials in order to outline just how successful the taskforce has been and to map a way forward that will enable us to build on that considerable success.” 



Mr McGuinness said: “The European Union have shown a remarkable commitment to developing a shared and prosperous future here and it is clear that in taking time out of his schedule, during a particularly busy period, that President Barroso’s commitment also remains as strong as ever. It is vital that we continue to take full advantage of every opportunity that is available to us through the European Union.

"We have already made considerable progress towards our goal of a peaceful, prosperous and shared future and during the course of this trip, by renewing our relationship with Europe we will continue to build on that success.” 



During the course of their visit the Ministers will take the opportunity to officially open the Executive’s new offices in Brussels.

Mr Robinson said: "It is vital for our future development that the Executive maintains a presence at the heart of Europe in Brussels. It is essential that we take full advantage of every opportunity that membership of the European Union presents."



Mr McGuinness said: "These new offices will ensure that we continue to develop and raise our profile across Europe supporting the Executive’s engagement with European institutions. They will also enable us, through our own experiences, to help other developing nations who are emerging from similar periods of conflict."



Notes to editors:



1. The EU Commission's Northern Ireland taskforce was established following Commission President José Manuel Barroso's visit to Belfast on 1 May 2007. The taskforce was mandated to look at how to improve Northern Ireland's access to, and participation in, Community policies and programmes. 

2. Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9037 8142. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.


Ministers saddened to learn of the death of Micheál Martin's daughter

First Minister Peter D. Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA have expressed their sadness on learning of the death of the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin's daughter, Léana.

The Ministers said:  "We are saddened to learn of the death of Micheál's youngest daughter Léana.  We wish to express our heartfelt sympathies to Micheál, his wife Mary and the entire Martin family at what must be an exceptionally difficult time for them all."

Notes to editors:

Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9037 8142. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned. 



Statement from the Executive Information Service - A great professional and a true friend

The staff of the Executive Information Service are shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of their friend and colleague John Harrison.

Speaking about John, the Director of the Executive’s Information Service Stephen Grimason said: "John was at the pinnacle of his profession, acclaimed locally, nationally and internationally. The ultimate professional, his engaging style won him the admiration of Presidents and Prime Ministers. He has been at all the key moments and events of our recent past. His work over the past 30 years is a photographic record of the social, economic and political life of Northern Ireland.

"Above all John was a friend, he was a friend to everyone and he will be a great loss to us and of course to his family. Our deepest sympathy goes to his wife Mandy and his children Peter, Thomas and Catherine, as we mourn the passing of a wonderful human being."

Foster announces £1.7million investment by Terex corporation

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster today announced a £1.7million investment by US based Terex Corporation, creating 35 new high skilled jobs.

The investment involves Terex Corporation locating its European Global Business Services Centre in Northern Ireland.

The Minister made the announcement in Washington, at the start of the US-NI Economic Conference being hosted by Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.

Terex Corporation is a global manufacturer producing an extensive range of equipment for a broad spectrum of sectors including the construction, infrastructure, recycling, shipping, transportation and maintenance industries. Within Northern Ireland, Terex has two manufacturing units in Dungannon and Omagh, employing over 1,000 people in the manufacture of mobile crushing and screening equipment.

Arlene Foster commented: “Terex already has a considerable footprint in Northern Ireland and is a significant employer at its two plants in County Tyrone. The decision to also locate its European Business Services Centre in Northern Ireland is an acknowledgement of the value placed on our local capabilities and the support offered by Invest NI.

"Winning new investment in high value sectors, such as Business Services, is the focus of today’s conference. This announcement is an excellent example of the type of project we are working to secure and provides further credibility to Northern Ireland’s proposition as a business and financial services location."

Ron DeFeo, Chairman and CEO of Terex Corporation, commented: “Establishing the European GBS centre in Northern Ireland is a major step in our plans to organise and deliver internal support services more efficiently and effectively.

“The assistance offered by Invest NI has been instrumental in our decision to base the centre in Dungannon. With a highly talented labour force to work with, we are confident of a successful outcome from our investments in Northern Ireland.”

Invest Northern Ireland has offered Terex £369,000 to secure this investment for Northern Ireland which will safeguard six existing jobs and create 35 new high skilled positions.

The Terex Global Business Services Centre based in Dungannon will provide centralised support for finance functions across the firm’s European business operations. This centre is the second in the corporation’s global initiative aimed to link Terex manufacturing, accounting, supply chain and human resources processes.

Note to editors:

For media enquiries, please contact DETI Press Office on 028 9052 9297. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

Robinson and McGuinness announce investment by the Dow Chemical Company

First Minister Rt. Hon. Peter D Robinson MLA and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA, today announced that The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE:DOW) is to establish a Dow Design & Modify Supply Chain (D&MSC) Centre in Belfast, creating 25 new high quality jobs.

The new centre will help ensure that the company’s supply chain is optimally designed to respond to emerging social and economic trends and customer needs around the globe. It also reflects Dow’s commitment to leverage its Business Services expertise to drive more value to the market through Dow’s businesses and joint ventures as the company seeks to become a high-growth earnings company.

"Selecting Belfast as the location for the expansion of our global supply chain organization is a meaningful example of our commitment to strategic investments that support our long term business objectives while also enabling us to have a positive impact on region and community," said Andrew Liveris, Dow Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Dow is one of the largest chemical companies in the world with annual sales of approximately $45billion in 2009 and over 52,000 employees worldwide.

Speaking in Washington in advance of the US-NI Economic Summit, where the announcement was made, First Minister Peter Robinson said: "In travelling to the US to reinforce the NI investment proposition, there can be no greater endorsement of our world class skills and knowledge base than an investment by a company of this calibre. 
 
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: "Generating almost £1million in salaries annually through the creation of 25 highly specialised posts. This investment proves beyond doubt that we can attract international companies, offering quality high end jobs, even in such challenging times, for the global economy."

"Offering salaries well above the NI private sector average, this is an investment which will deliver quality career opportunities to the people of Northern Ireland and result in a significant, welcome boost to the local economy."


Notes to editors:

Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9037 8142. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

Empey discusses US initiatives to improve student drop out rates

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today learned how the US has been improving university and college completion rates.

As part of his four day visit to Washington DC, he met with Complete College America, which was founded to dramatically increase completion rates in the US.

The Minister shared Northern Ireland's experiences with CCA president Stan Jones and compared this with American experience.



Sir Reg said: "While Northern Ireland has relatively good college and university completion rates when compared to the US, I am not prepared to accept a complacent approach to current drop-out rates. Each failure to complete a university or college course is a waste of public money and deprives an individual of economic and educational opportunities.



"Complete College America stresses the crucial importance of student welfare support in addressing drop-out rates and the need for colleges and universities to reconsider their teaching structures so as to promote retention.



"I was pleased to be able to share the experience of our own excellent Step Up programme in Northern Ireland, working with secondary schools to promote the aspiration for university and the skills that will encourage course completion."



The Minister continued: "Amidst the ongoing debate on Lord Browne's proposals, I have stated my determination to protect and further enhance Northern Ireland's widening participation record. Closely related to this is the need to ensure students complete their courses. This makes a vital contribution to social mobility and economic competitiveness.


"I am grateful for the experience Complete College America shared with me today - another example of how US and Northern Ireland colleges and universities can learn from each others challenges and successes".

Notes to editors:



All media queries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.


Ministers attend US economic conference

First Minister Rt Hon Peter D. Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA have arrived in Washington DC ahead of Tuesday’s economic conference.

The conference which will be hosted by US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton will bring together a range of Northern Irish companies, current investors from the US and a range of potential investors identified by Special Economic Envoy Declan Kelly.

Mr Robinson said: "This conference will allow us to sell the Northern Ireland product directly to some of the America's most successful and best know companies, many of whom have already expressed an interest in investing here.

"The Executive said from a very early stage that attracting inward investment was vital to the Northern Irish economy and we have had some considerable success. I have no doubt that as a direct result of this conference we will forge a new set of relationships that will in the months and years to come see further significant investment."

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: "Secretary Clinton has played an extremely important role not only in the peace process but in helping us to develop our economy and to improve the lives of our people. The conference that she is hosting further highlights the commitment that exists in the US to boosting our economy through investment and the creation of jobs.

"I am very conscious that there are areas across the north that have yet to feel the benefits of peace and have only ever known deprivation, poverty and inequality. This conference will, I am sure, bear fruit and will have a long and lasting legacy that will benefit our economy and all our people equally."

Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster and Employment and Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey are also attending the conference.

Minister Foster said: "The one day conference gives us an unprecedented opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland and to promote the local business model to a select group of senior decision makers. The focus will be on direct business discussions to allow very senior executives from American companies to hear why an investment in Northern Ireland makes sound commercial sense.


"Invest NI will support the US Economic Envoy, Declan Kelly at the conference, by promoting Northern Ireland and following up potential investment opportunities with the conference delegates."

Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey said: "This conference provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the skills of the Northern Ireland workforce. We are here in Washington for the economic hard sell - to show that Northern Ireland is an excellent location in which to invest and do business.

"Northern Ireland's further education colleges and universities, working in partnership with my Department, are already producing the skills looked for by inward investors. Our Assured Skills initiative further ensures that the right skills will be provided for new investment, boosting Northern Ireland's attractiveness and competitiveness."

Notes to editors:
Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9037 8142. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

Statement from Social Development Minister

Commenting on the press statements on a set of measures to reduce benefit fraud including "three strikes and you are out", Minister Alex Atwood said: " In the week of announcements on forthcoming public spending cuts, these statements only serve to reinforce concerns that I hold that the focus of fraud and error resources is on targeting the most vulnerable in our society rather than on those individuals and companies who avoid paying their taxes.

“The proposed measures could lead to people not claiming benefits because they are worried about fines if they make a mistake and also targets whole communities by proposing mobile task forces to investigate all claims in particular areas where there is high level of benefit payments. I fully support tackling benefit fraud but not in ways that seek to demonise individuals and communities."

Statement on free prescriptions from the Health Minister

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey said today that it was unfair and wrong to suggest that free prescriptions for items such as sun-cream should not be dispensed.



He said: “Items such as high factor sun-screen are only dispensed following a clinical decision by a doctor. These sun-screens are normally dispensed to treat people because they may be undergoing radiotherapy, or have certain genetic conditions or suffer from photo sensitivity all of which can make their skin much more sensitive to sunlight.

“In addition, some medications can also make the skin more sensitive to sunlight including some antibiotics and heart drugs. 



“I will not second-guess doctors or other medical experts who seek to ensure patients have vital medication which saves them from harm. I am very concerned that some people have tried to turn such a serious medical issue into a trivial headline.”



Turning to the introduction of free prescriptions the Minister said that he would continue to monitor dispensing volumes very carefully and asked the public to act responsibly when asking for medication.

He continued: “The reason I introduced free prescriptions in the first place was to remove the inequality that existed which meant that some people with serious illness, such as cancer, had to try and find the money to pay for their drugs. This was a tax on illness and I could not allow this situation to continue. 



“The fact is that in 2009/2010 prescription charges generated income of £6million, approximately 1.4% of the overall prescribing budget which is around £400million. 



“My Department and the Board are continuing to ensure that any issues of overprescribing and cost are being dealt with. Over the last five years, my Department has delivered some £90million of efficiencies in the prescribing budget and at the same time managed £3million additional prescriptions in 2009/10.” 



Continuing the Minister said that during this period the use of generic medicines has increased from 43% to 60% and that is an important way of managing drugs inflation. He said that he had also set in train a further range of initiatives through the Pharmaceutical Clinical Effectiveness Programme to improve medicines management in the Health and Social Care Service. 



He concluded: “It is too early to identify any additional costs associated with free prescribing in 2010-11 but this is being kept under review. It is important to note that the prescribing volumes increase by an average of 5% to 6% every year. It is wrong to say that all increases in prescription numbers are the result of free prescribing. 



“For example, issues such as rising numbers of older people with long-term conditions and the effects of the economic recession impact on prescribing rates.”



Notes for editors:



1. Media enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0575. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

Regional Development Minister welcomes Minister Pat Carey TD to Rathlin Island

Minister for Regional Development Conor Murphy warmly welcomed Minister Pat Carey, TD, to Rathlin Island today.

As Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Minister Carey has responsibility for off shore islands in the south, of which around 30 are inhabited. 



Commenting on island life and meeting Minister Carey on Rathlin, Minister Murphy said: “Islanders live in some of the most beautiful and inspiring parts of Ireland, but they must also deal with the unique challenges of island life. Since coming into office I have been committed to improving island life and the services available to those on Rathlin.



“In July last year I visited Inis Oírr in the Aran Islands off the Galway Coast to see first hand how the islanders there have developed socio-economic activities to sustain their island community, and so I welcome this opportunity today to meet with Minister Carey on Rathlin to share with him our local experiences about how government can help island communities to maintain and develop island life.”



Minister Murphy added: “The Executive’s policy for Rathlin Island seeks to improve the conditions of all people on this island while also protecting its natural and cultural heritage. My Department has been in the lead in developing the Action Plan to implement the Executive policy. To achieve success we need to work together with the islanders and other interested parties to help build a vibrant and sustainable community.” 



During their visit the Ministers’ had time to discuss the recent Small Ferries project, a unique INTERREG funded study undertaken to establish the best way to design, build and procure a replacement fleet of small ferries to deliver lifeline ferry services for island and other geographically remote communities off the Irish and Scottish coastlines.



Speaking about this Minister Murphy said: “The Small Ferries Project has demonstrated that there are opportunities for public bodies across these islands to join together to address issues that are common to them all. I am now considering the recommendations of the Small Ferries Project report which I received recently.”



Notes to editors:


1. The Rathlin Island Policy was endorsed by the Executive on 25 February 2010 and may be viewed at http://www.drdni.gov.uk/Rathlin-Island-policy


 
2. A copy of the Small Ferries Project report can be found at http://www.cmassets.co.uk


 
3. Media enquiries to DRD Press Office on 028 9054 0007. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.