Skills agenda plays an important role in Varney ll

26 February 2008

Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey, today met with Sir David Varney as part of the second review of the Northern Ireland economy.

The meeting, which will inform Sir David’s second report, was conducted as part of a series of meetings with ministers. Speaking after the meeting, Sir Reg said: “Now that the Executive has made the economy its priority, it is essential that there is proper policy follow-through to ensure that we create the wealth which we need to pay for vital public services.

“I spoke with Sir David about how my Department is working with individuals and organisations to strengthen the economy. I outlined the importance of our essential skills and apprenticeship programmes and how vital it is that employers play an active role in promoting this training.

“This meeting was a good opportunity for me to set out the challenges and priorities we face and to show how the contribution of skills and tackling economic inactivity is central to our economic growth. I have asked that Sir David’s review will be published prior to the Economic Conference in May this year so that we can maximise its impact.”

Sir David has been asked by the Chancellor to conduct this review to build on recent work and focusing on identifying measures to promote private sector investment and enhance competitiveness.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The first Varney Review, which focused on how tax policy could support sustainable growth of businesses in NI, was published on 17 December 2007.
  2. The second review will focus on incentives for supporting the sustainable growth of businesses, investment and employment here. It is also investigating incentives for growth that fall within the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive as well as the UK Government.
  3. For media enquires please contact the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.