Economic growth in Northern Ireland: MPs to question DBT and NIO ministers and officials
Ministers and officials from both the Department for Business and Trade and Northern Ireland Office will face questions from MPs as part of the committee’s economic growth in NI inquiry.
The session will be a chance to ask the witnesses about issues raised in the second part of the inquiry, which has been focussing on what the UK government can do to support particular growth sectors in Northern Ireland.
The hearing will also provide an opportunity to question the panel about the government response, published today, to the committee’s report from Marchwhich followed the first part of the inquiry.
The report called for the UK government to ensure its economic strategy for Northern Ireland was aligned with that of the NI Executive. It also recommended greater support for small and medium-sized enterprises and a commitment to fund investment in skills and infrastructure.
Meeting details
There are likely to be questions on the UK government’s approach to implementing the Industrial Strategy in Northern Ireland, its plans to establish the Northern Ireland Business Support Service and how the Department for Business and Trade promotes NI as a place for inward investment.
There could also be discussion about the Local Growth Fund. The government’s response to the report rejected the committee’s concerns about the impact of changes to the revenue-capital split on economic activity support programmes provided by the voluntary and community sectors.