Economy Minister Simon Hamilton MLA has commented on the restructuring
of the Fujitsu business throughout Europe including its operations in
Belfast and Londonderry.
He said: “This
is a worrying time for staff at Fujitsu in Belfast and Londonderry.
I
have spoken to Fujitsu management today and intend to engage with senior
decision makers in Japan in the days and weeks ahead to emphasise to them the
highly skilled workforce that exists in Northern Ireland as well as the
competitive costs and strong Government support that makes our region a good
place for their company to continue to invest in."
Notes to editors:
- For media enquiries contact DFE Press Office on 028
9052 9604. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via
pager number 07623 974383 and your call will be returned.
- Follow us on Twitter @Economy_NI
First Minister, the Rt Hon Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister, Martin
McGuinness tonight attended the opening of the National Football Stadium at
Windsor Park.
The Ministers were guests at an Irish Football Association (IFA) official
opening and watched home team Northern Ireland take on San Marino in a FIFA
World Cup qualifying match.
The IFA received £28.75 million from the Executive towards the stadium
redevelopment which now has a seating capacity of 18,500.
Speaking ahead of the match First Minister, Arlene Foster said: “It is a privilege to be here this
evening to mark the official opening of our National Stadium at Windsor Park.
“The transformation
has been remarkable and Northern Ireland, along with first class fans, now has
a truly first class venue as its home of football.
“The Northern Ireland
Executive’s contribution of £28.75 million has helped deliver this magnificent
outcome and I congratulate everyone involved in the development of our new
National Stadium.
“There is no doubt
that this Summer’s Euro 2016 finals were transformative for Northern Ireland
football and this wonderful new facility is reflective of our pride and
ambition to take Northern Ireland to the next level.
“I have no doubt this
magnificent new stadium will see many great sporting occasions in the years to
come.”
The deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness said: “In France this summer Michael O’Neill
and his team proved they were a class act both on and off the pitch and I’m
delighted they now have a world class stadium to match.
“The Executive’s
investment of nearly £30million will reap massive social, economic and cultural
benefits. Tonight’s opening completes the second part of a three stadia
Programme for Government commitment and I look forward to Casement Park coming
to fruition during this Assembly term.
“Sport has the
ability to break down barriers on and off the pitch and the IFA deserves great
credit for its tireless efforts to rid sport of sectarianism, racism and
homophobia. Their work goes beyond the gates of Windsor Park and ripples
out into wider society building friendships and the community. The financial
support we have provided towards this stadium is an investment in a more
inclusive, shared society.”
Also attending the official opening Sports
Minister Paul Givan said: “This
new state of the art Stadium marks a new and exciting beginning not only for
the Northern Ireland Football team but for the whole community. This is a very
special and proud day for all those who have worked tirelessly to turn the
vision of a National Stadium into a reality.”
First Minister, Rt. Hon. Arlene Foster MLA, and deputy First Minister,
Martin McGuinness MLA have welcomed the announcement from World Rugby that
Ireland’s Rugby World Cup 2023 bid is through to the final Candidate Phase of
the Host Selection process.
World Rugby has confirmed France, Ireland and South Africa as Rugby World
Cup 2023 host candidates.
First Minister, Arlene Foster said: “The
Northern Ireland Executive is a strong supporter of the 2023 Rugby World Cup
and it is excellent news we are now through to the next phase of the process.
The potential to host
the Rugby World Cup 2023 presents a fantastic opportunity to showcase our
excellent rugby talent, magnificent facilities and legendary hospitality to
rugby fans across the world. Northern Ireland has what it takes to host world
class events and the Executive will continue to work hard to bring this
great sporting event here in 2023.”
The deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, said: “I congratulate all of those involved
in helping reach the next phase in hosting RWC 2023. South Africa
and France are formidable opponents, however, I believe the partnership between
sport organisations, Government and local businesses can provide a winning
combination in ensuring a successful event. I am certain everyone here will get
behind the Ireland bid and look forward next year when the final decision on
who will host RWC 2023 is made in November 2017.”
Economy Minister, Simon Hamilton MLA added: “It is tremendous news we are through to the Candidate
Phase of hosting The Rugby World Cup. The Rugby World Cup 2015 was the
most commercially successful event to date and with large numbers of travelling
fans and spectators the opportunity to host RWC 2023 would provide a major
boost for local businesses, the tourism industry and the Northern Ireland economy
as a whole.”
Notes to editors
1. Media enquiries to The Executive Office press office on 028 9037
8201. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press office via pager
number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
2. Follow us on Twitter @niexecutive
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Michelle McIlveen has
enjoyed a day in the North West.
The Minister started with a visit to the Northern Ireland International
Ploughing Championships at Aghanloo near Limavady. There she met
representatives of the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association (NIPA), as well
as officials, competitors and businesses participating in the event.
Miss McIlveen congratulated everyone involved: “The Northern Ireland Ploughing
Championships are now in their 73rd year and attract competitors of the highest
calibre. It is quite a sight to see exponents of this difficult art at work and
the crowd clearly enjoyed the high degree of skill on show.
"Of course, with
so many people coming to enjoy the ploughing, the event also provides an
excellent showcase for a wide range of rural and agricultural businesses,
particularly those producing and dealing in farm machinery.
“I very much enjoyed
the opportunity to tour the stands and meet farmers, traders, competitors and
visitors at what is NIPA’s blue riband event.”
From
the ploughing championships, the Minister then travelled along the North Coast
to the Giant’s Causeway for the 2016 Northern Ireland Potato Festival.
She said: “2016 is
officially Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink and there is no doubt that
our farmers and producers deliver high quality, unique, signature ingredients
and products that represent the Province and which are some of the finest
available anywhere.
"The NI
Potato Festival showcases one of our staple crops. With the help of The Mighty
Spud and the excellent range of participating local producers, the festival
underlines just how tasty and versatile the potato continues to be.
"This is
the fourth year of the event and what more fitting and spectacular setting than
the Giant’s Causeway, one of Northern Ireland’s top tourist attractions, to
showcase our award winning produce to the many local visitors and visitors from
further afield.”
Miss McIlveen concluded: “The
buzz at both of these events is fantastic and they are, along with the array of
summertime agricultural shows and events, yet another example of the superb
offering available in our rural areas across Northern Ireland.”
Notes to editors:
1. The Northern Ireland International Ploughing
Championships are organised by NIPA in conjunction with Causeway Coast and
Glens Borough Council. More information is available at http://www.niploughing.com
2. More information on the Northern Ireland Potato
Festival is available at https://www.facebook.com/nipotatofestival
3. Follow us on Twitter @daera_ni http://twitter.com/daera_ni
4. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press
Office on 028 9052 4619 or email DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk.
Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number
07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.
