A report by the West Belfast Economic Forum, a voluntary group, has criticised the Industrial Development Board, which is responsible for channelling foreign investment to Northern Ireland, over its performance in attracting investment and creating jobs in west Belfast.
The report, launched yesterday, says the IDB's record in supporting viable manufacturing projects in areas of greatest need has been "spotty at best". It claims only 49 per cent of employees in IDB-assisted factories in west Belfast are Catholic, compared to a population share of 74 per cent in the area.