Robin Newton MBE MLA

EAST Belfast DUP MLA Robin Newton has responded to the launch of the DETI and Invest NI Independent Review of Economic Policy, chaired by Professor Richard Barnett, with a welcome for a number of recommendations to improve Northern Ireland’s economic performance and competitiveness.

Robin Newton said,

“There are a number of areas where we can improve our assistance to the business community, and in particular I welcome the recommendation that the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and Employment and Learning be brought under a single departmental authority.

It makes sense to have those government units working in the same area to be united under one umbrella, ensuring policy is coordinated and there is no costly duplication of processes.

The core argument is that we must be output led, not process-led. This is how we will improve our help for businesses, and improve the competitiveness of Northern Ireland businesses in both local and international markets.

The emphasis on improving the capacity of our local SME sector is also a welcome step, with an even greater emphasis on Research and Development and Innovation.  We have many fine examples of Northern Ireland businesses leading the way in creativity but there is also much potential still to be realised and with the support of effective government support, this potential will be realised.

This report reflects the DUP argument that we need streamlined government to be most effective and I look forward to seeing stakeholders coming together, with the IREP recommendations in mind, to take Northern Ireland industry onto a new level of prosperity.”