We will work within budget constraints to help strengthen economy - Empey

22 January 2008

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today commented on his Department’s confirmed budget allocation.

He said: “First of all I would like to thank the stakeholders including many from the Employment and Learning sectors who contributed to the consultation on the Programme for Government, Investment Strategy and Budget 2007. There was widespread recognition that the Department for Employment and Learning is a key player in delivering the top priority in the Executive’s Programme for Government (PfG) - growing a dynamic and innovative economy. I am reassured by their overwhelming recognition of the primacy of skills as a key factor in the economic equation.

“I was disappointed by our initial allocation in the Draft Budget published last October. However, following negotiations with the Finance Minister and the support of many stakeholders, with the £40.1m allocation from the Funding for Innovation, I believe our task now is to make the maximum impact with the additional resources allocated.”

The Minister continued: “As we all know, Northern Ireland has significant issues in the areas of adult apprenticeships, essential skills, careers and increasing the numbers moving from benefits into employment. We also need to nurture and retain our best talent if we are to compete on the world stage.

“I welcome the additional allocations from the Funding for Innovation which will enable my Department to deliver on its PfG commitments, thereby increasing the number of PhDs, strengthening the cross border university research base and tackling skills shortages in specialist areas such as ICT, financial services and biotechnology – all of which are vital to helping Northern Ireland’s economy strengthen and develop by unlocking the talent inherent in the people in our community.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. Media queries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.
  2. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.