PETER ROBINSON and Martin McGuinness have published an ambitious four-year programme for government which includes plans to create 25,000 jobs, restructure the education and local government systems, and tackle sectarianism.
After working late on Wednesday, the Northern Executive agreed a programme that contains more than 70 commitments ranging from jobs promotion to attracting more tourists to building 8,000 social and affordable homes.
First Minister Mr Robinson and Deputy First Minister Mr McGuinness launched the programme at a special sitting of the Assembly yesterday in conjunction with the publication of an economic and investment strategy.
Mr Robinson characterised the plan as the next stage in reshaping Northern Ireland after the stability established since former DUP first minister Rev Ian Paisley agreed to share power with Sinn Féin four years ago.
“Today, we take our next step forward, building on what we have achieved and setting new and ambitious targets, with 76 commitments to the people of Northern Ireland,” said Mr Robinson.
“It is a statement that we in Northern Ireland are prepared to take responsibility for our future, it is a statement that we are prepared to modernise and reform, and most importantly it is a statement that Northern Ireland is moving forward as one community,” he said. “Through this programme for government we will seek to rebuild and rebalance our economy and we will seek to address the legacy of division that lingers from the past,” said Mr Robinson.
Mr McGuinness also said the programme was an opportunity to consolidate the progress already made. “We collectively – and I include all of us in this – need to raise our game in terms of improving the economy. However, we are determined to strike the right balance between addressing the need for economic growth and tackling poverty and disadvantage,” he said.
Both Mr McGuinness and Mr Robinson stressed that they viewed reducing corporation tax to bring it close to or in line with the Republic as a key part of achieving inward investment and more jobs.
“We need to work on a level playing field by pressing hard for the devolution of corporation tax. We need to go after £300 million of foreign direct investment. We need to ensure that we include social clauses in all public procurement contracts for supplies, services and construction so that local people benefit from departmental expenditure,” said Mr McGuinness.
Under the programme the Executive pledges to promote the creation of over 25,000 jobs, bring in £300 million in foreign direct investment, and increase manufacturing exports by 15 per cent. It plans to increase visitor numbers to 3.6 million and tourist revenue to £625 million by 2013.
The number of local councils will be reduced from 26 to 11, with 2015 the target date for completion. A single Education and Skills Authority will be established by 2013 to replace the eight bodies that currently run education such as the five education and library boards and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools.
Mr Robinson said a key challenge would be to address community division and the first place to start was with young people. “That is why we will review how we can advance shared education and ensure that all children have access to shared education programmes,” he said.
Ambitious four-year plan: £300M in foreign investment targeted
- Promote the creation of 25,000 new jobs.
- Secure £300 million in foreign direct investment.
- Press for a reduction in corporation tax.
- Reduce number of councils from 26 to 11.
- A single overarching body to run education instead of current eight bodies.
- Tackle sectarianism and promote shared education.
- Boost tourism figures to 3.6 million visitors annually.
- Deliver 8,000 social and affordable homes.
- Free double-glazing of 50,000 Housing Executive homes.
- No water charges.