Direct rule Minister addresses devolution conference

Public sector reform will continue to play a major part in the government’s priorities for Northern Ireland, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State with responsibility for Finance and Personnel, Ian Pearson, told a conference in Newcastle, Co Down, today.

The new Minister made the statement during his speech at the annual conference of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy.

During the speech, themed 'Devolution; Delivering the Difference', Ian Pearson set out his stall for delegates by outlining the achievements of devolution and the government's intention to build on the progress made so far.

The 'Reinvestment and Reform Initiative' would be pursued with vigour, he said, as the most appropriate means of investment in the best quality services Government can deliver.

He added: "A key by-product of this must be to secure the right economic infrastructure and the best competitive environment for business to prosper. Such infrastructure is the bedrock of a dynamic and competitive economy."

The Minister emphasised the need for early choices to be made on the raising of capital to pay for infrastructure investment in Northern Ireland’s schools, hospitals, roads, transport, and water services. Reform and modernisation remain the key factors, he said, while indicating that other measures are needed to secure funding.

The Minister also explained that the use of appropriate public private partnerships, while important, did not rule out the need to look at raising local revenue through the rating system, in order to take advantage of the borrowing offer from Treasury.

Meanwhile, Mr Pearson praised Executive Ministers for their strategic approach in drawing up future economic policy, working through the Economic Development Forum. The net effect of consultation by the Executive had indicated an appetite in the public and private sectors for trying new ways and shouldering new responsibilities in the drive to modernise Northern Ireland and improve its economic base.

Announcing the publication of a First Findings Report, which has emerged from the public consultation on the Review of Rating Policy, Ian Pearson said that while more analysis is needed, particular aspects for reform of the system are coming through.

“I am sure these initial findings will stimulate more debate as the review moves into its next stages. And it will involve presenting some difficult choices for consideration and decision. These are decisions with major long-term consequences, and it is right that we take the time to work our way through them.

“A modern economy needs a modern government. In a competitive world, in a world of new technology, of new markets, of new competitors, business has to adapt and develop. It can only do that in partnership with modern government,” the Minister added.

(MB)