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NI Executive pledging 6,500 jobs NI Executive pledging 6,500 jobs
(about 1 hour later)
The Northern Ireland Executive aims to create 6,500 jobs over the next four years through inward investment, First Minister Ian Paisley has said. The Northern Ireland Executive aims to create 6,500 jobs over the next four years through inward investment.
The details are included in the Programme for Government being outlined to members of the devolved assembly.The details are included in the Programme for Government being outlined to members of the devolved assembly.
Mr Paisley said it was "another momentous day" for NI and that the aim of the executive was to "build a better future for all". Finance Minister Peter Robinson outlined how the government would fund the economic plans.
Finance Minister Peter Robinson will outline his first budget later. He said there would be real increases in public spending, and intended to raise £790m through "more efficiency" from the public services by 2010/2011.
He said that an increase in the block grant, more government borrowing and increased access to money from the rates raised in Northern Ireland would also fund the Executive's plans.
Mr Robinson announced a freeze in the domestic regional rate for each of the next three years.
Mr Paisley said it was "another momentous day" for NI and the executive wanted "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.Mr Paisley said that when devolution returned in May doubts had been raised about the ability of the Executive to co-operate.
This place is truly under new management - and who would have believed how far we have come Martin McGuinnessThis place is truly under new management - and who would have believed how far we have come Martin McGuinness
"This Executive can and will work together in the interests of all our people," he said."This Executive can and will work together in the interests of all our people," he said.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said that there had been a "seismic shift" since the return of power-sharing.Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said that there had been a "seismic shift" since the return of power-sharing.
"This place is truly under new management - and who would have believed how far we have come in so short a time.""This place is truly under new management - and who would have believed how far we have come in so short a time."
In the programme there is an emphasis on the need to develop a dynamic economy.In the programme there is an emphasis on the need to develop a dynamic economy.
The Executive wants at least three quarters of the new jobs to attract salaries above the local private sector average.The Executive wants at least three quarters of the new jobs to attract salaries above the local private sector average.
READ THE DOCUMENTS Draft Programme for Government [1.1MB] Draft Investment Strategy [3.8MB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader hereREAD THE DOCUMENTS Draft Programme for Government [1.1MB] Draft Investment Strategy [3.8MB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here
The target is for 45 new business and 600 existing companies to become exporters over the next three years.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 be introduced next year to enable those unemployed due to ill health or disability to return to work.A new Employment and Support allowance will be introduced next year to enable those unemployed due to ill health or disability to return to work.
Ministers want to halve child poverty by 2010 and eradicate it by 2020.Ministers want to halve child poverty by 2010 and eradicate it by 2020.
The Executive is pledging to extend free public transport to everyone over 60 during the course of next year (currently the age is 65).The Executive is 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.Other highlights include a pledge to take forward major building projects at more than 100 schools over the next three years.