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16/05/2023
Economy Budget Cuts 'Draconian'
The Ulster Unionist Party has condemned cuts in the Department for the Economy's budget as "draconian" that will leave NI "fighting to create prosperity with one hand tied behind our back".
Following the news that the Department will need to find £130 million in cuts, the party's economy spokesperson, Mike Nesbitt, said: "This is the year we should be tooling up Invest NI to embrace the many companies looking to invest in our unique dual access to the GB and EU markets. Instead, we are telling INI to take a 15% cut in budget for the second year running.
"These Foreign Direct Investors are particularly attracted by our skilled workforce, yet it is clear Further Education will take a major hit in funding this year, choking the flow of newly qualified talent to the workplace.
"Then there is tourism. Traditionally Tourism Ireland is funded two-thirds by Dublin, one-third by Belfast but recently Dublin has upped its contributions, meaning a disproportionate focus on the Republic in Tourism Ireland's marketing campaigns, to the detriment of our sector. It would need the endorsement of the North South Ministerial Council to fix that, but that body is not meeting because the DUP will not allow functioning devolution. It's yet another reason why we need Stormont back today."
Following the news that the Department will need to find £130 million in cuts, the party's economy spokesperson, Mike Nesbitt, said: "This is the year we should be tooling up Invest NI to embrace the many companies looking to invest in our unique dual access to the GB and EU markets. Instead, we are telling INI to take a 15% cut in budget for the second year running.
"These Foreign Direct Investors are particularly attracted by our skilled workforce, yet it is clear Further Education will take a major hit in funding this year, choking the flow of newly qualified talent to the workplace.
"Then there is tourism. Traditionally Tourism Ireland is funded two-thirds by Dublin, one-third by Belfast but recently Dublin has upped its contributions, meaning a disproportionate focus on the Republic in Tourism Ireland's marketing campaigns, to the detriment of our sector. It would need the endorsement of the North South Ministerial Council to fix that, but that body is not meeting because the DUP will not allow functioning devolution. It's yet another reason why we need Stormont back today."
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A forecast from Dublin's Central Bank has predicted that the Irish economy will grow at 1% this year. The State's economic advisors have revised and increased their figures to levels first suggested at the start of the year following fears of double-dip recession earlier in the summer.
Irish Republic's Economy 'To Grow 1%'
A forecast from Dublin's Central Bank has predicted that the Irish economy will grow at 1% this year. The State's economic advisors have revised and increased their figures to levels first suggested at the start of the year following fears of double-dip recession earlier in the summer.
04 July 2023
Potholes Must Be Repaired To A Satisfactory Standard - Alliance
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Sinn Fein Hits Out Over Proposed Budget Cuts For Special Educational Needs
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Sinn Féin has hot out over the proposed budget cuts for Special Educational Needs support. MLA Pat Sheehan said it is "deeply concerning" that funding for schools in NI is to be slashed in half. He said: "Children with special educational needs require the highest level of support in our schools to ensure they have the best start in life.
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Budget Energy Becomes First NI Firm To Cut Prices
Budget Energy has announced a 5% price cut for customers, making it the first in Northern Ireland to do so. The Consumer Council said the L'Derry-based electricity company's price cuts would amount to a £32 saving per year for its 60,000 customers.
Budget Energy Becomes First NI Firm To Cut Prices
Budget Energy has announced a 5% price cut for customers, making it the first in Northern Ireland to do so. The Consumer Council said the L'Derry-based electricity company's price cuts would amount to a £32 saving per year for its 60,000 customers.
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