There has been a welcome today for apparent cross-party support shown in the House of Commons for depositors with the failed Presbyterian Mutual Society (PMS) in Northern Ireland.

NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster, (pictured) commenting on exchanges during Northern Ireland Questions, said: "It is very encouraging that so many MPs, from across party lines, recognised the need for PMS depositors to be treated fairly.

"I was particularly pleased that the Secretary of State, Shaun Woodward made a number of positive and encouraging statements."

The DUP Minister highlighted comments by him, such as "we all have a duty to do what we can to help them - and that goes for my right honourable Friend the Prime Minister" and also, that "I am prepared to work with the honourable gentleman and other colleagues to help those investors".

Minister Foster also said that the exchanges in Westminster point up the urgent need for the Prime Minister to hold the promised meeting with Northern Ireland Executive Ministers and to bring the PMS issues to a positive conclusion.

She noted Mr Woodward was looking forward to a meeting between the Prime Minister and Peter Robinson, the Stormont First Minister and the Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, later this month.

She said that Mr Woodward promised action through his very positive comments in the House to the effect that "we will see what can be done to help such people, not with empty slogans and hollow promises but with real action".

However, Ms Foster concluded: "While I welcome the Secretary of State's comments, I do need to clarify his remarks on one point.

"The regulation of Industrial and Provident Societies is not a devolved matter. DETI's responsibilities relate to registration and not regulation. This is an important distinction."

See: Presbyterian Assembly Twice Picketed Over Church 'Betrayal'

(BMcC)