Menu
25/10/2007
Executive Pledges 6,500 New Jobs
Employment has proved to be a major focus for the Northern Ireland Executive.
This week’s high profile announcement of the long-awaited Programme for Government includes the aim of creating 6,500 jobs over the next four years through inward investment.
First Minister Ian Paisley said it was "another momentous day" and that the aim of the executive was to "build a better future for all".
Mr Paisley said that when devolution returned in May doubts had been raised about the ability of the Executive to co-operate.
"This Executive can and will work together in the interests of all our people," he said.
In the Programme for Government, unveiled by the first and deputy first ministers, there is an emphasis on the need to develop a dynamic economy.
It relates that the Executive wants at least three quarters of the new jobs to attract salaries above the local private sector average.
The target is for 45 new business and 600 existing companies to become exporters over the next three years.
A new Employment and Support allowance will also be introduced next year to enable those unemployed due to ill health or disability to return to work.
Ministers also want to halve child poverty by 2010 and eradicate it by 2020.
Among other issues, the Executive is also pledging to extend free public transport to everyone over 60 during the course of next year (currently the age is 65).
Other highlights include a pledge to take forward major building projects at more than 100 schools over the next three years.
(BMcC)
This week’s high profile announcement of the long-awaited Programme for Government includes the aim of creating 6,500 jobs over the next four years through inward investment.
First Minister Ian Paisley said it was "another momentous day" and that the aim of the executive was to "build a better future for all".
Mr Paisley said that when devolution returned in May doubts had been raised about the ability of the Executive to co-operate.
"This Executive can and will work together in the interests of all our people," he said.
In the Programme for Government, unveiled by the first and deputy first ministers, there is an emphasis on the need to develop a dynamic economy.
It relates that the Executive wants at least three quarters of the new jobs to attract salaries above the local private sector average.
The target is for 45 new business and 600 existing companies to become exporters over the next three years.
A new Employment and Support allowance will also be introduced next year to enable those unemployed due to ill health or disability to return to work.
Ministers also want to halve child poverty by 2010 and eradicate it by 2020.
Among other issues, the Executive is also pledging to extend free public transport to everyone over 60 during the course of next year (currently the age is 65).
Other highlights include a pledge to take forward major building projects at more than 100 schools over the next three years.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 March 2024
SDLP Launches Petition For Restoration Of Integrated Schools Funding
The SDLP has launched a petition calling for the restoration of funding for new buildings at ten integrated schools across NI. The petition follows the recent announcement of the withdrawal of this funding as part of the financial package agreed between Executive parties and the UK Government.
SDLP Launches Petition For Restoration Of Integrated Schools Funding
The SDLP has launched a petition calling for the restoration of funding for new buildings at ten integrated schools across NI. The petition follows the recent announcement of the withdrawal of this funding as part of the financial package agreed between Executive parties and the UK Government.
09 July 2002
NI religious attitudes hardening
There is an increasing hardening of attitudes by both Protestants and Catholics towards living, working and learning together according to new research. The research conducted by the University of Ulster reveals that Protestants’ and Catholics’ perceptions of each other are becoming increasingly negative.
NI religious attitudes hardening
There is an increasing hardening of attitudes by both Protestants and Catholics towards living, working and learning together according to new research. The research conducted by the University of Ulster reveals that Protestants’ and Catholics’ perceptions of each other are becoming increasingly negative.
04 May 2018
Housing Executive Urged To Clarify Tower Block Proposals
Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín has written to the Chief Executive of the Housing Executive Board seeking clarity on their plans for Tower Blocks in north Belfast. The North Belfast MLA said: "There are 33 Tower blocks across the north, seven of which are in the New Lodge area of North Belfast.
Housing Executive Urged To Clarify Tower Block Proposals
Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín has written to the Chief Executive of the Housing Executive Board seeking clarity on their plans for Tower Blocks in north Belfast. The North Belfast MLA said: "There are 33 Tower blocks across the north, seven of which are in the New Lodge area of North Belfast.
23 June 2006
Sunday soccer ban to be maintained
A ban on football matches being played on Sunday's in Northern Ireland, is to remain in place. A move by the members of the Irish Football Association to lift the ban, was defeated 69 to 28, during a meeting last night, when the the final tally fell just short of the 75% majority needed to impose the change.
Sunday soccer ban to be maintained
A ban on football matches being played on Sunday's in Northern Ireland, is to remain in place. A move by the members of the Irish Football Association to lift the ban, was defeated 69 to 28, during a meeting last night, when the the final tally fell just short of the 75% majority needed to impose the change.
22 October 2010
NI Rent Arrears Soars
The NI Housing Executive (NIHE) has lost more than £40m in unpaid rents. That's the shock news this week with NIHE data showing that in the last three years, rents totalling £41m have not been paid.
NI Rent Arrears Soars
The NI Housing Executive (NIHE) has lost more than £40m in unpaid rents. That's the shock news this week with NIHE data showing that in the last three years, rents totalling £41m have not been paid.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A rather cloudy start with patchy mainly light rain, but becoming brighter through the day as the rain turns more showery, the best of any sunnier spells in the south. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:A few bright spells at first and any showers gradually dying out. Low cloud and mist or drizzle over northern coastal parts will spread south to most areas overnight. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
