Department for the Economy
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Our responsibilities
Economic policy
Economic strategy, regulation, innovation, enterprise policy, social economy, access to finance, agri-food, Economic Advisory Group and MATRIX
… moreEmployment and skills programmes (including apprenticeships)
Advice for jobseekers and employers on employment and recruitment programmes that aim to deliver a skilled workforce to meet the needs of the Northern Ireland economy
… moreEnergy
Policy and strategy on energy including electricity, gas, renewables and energy efficiency.
… moreFurther education
Advice on all aspects of further education including policy, courses, how to apply and financial support available.
… moreHigher education
Information and advice on higher education including policy and strategy, finance governance, student finance and research policy.
… moreEmployment rights
Free and confidential help with employment rights is available from Labour Relations Agency for employers and employees. The Department provides online guidance on employment rights on nidirect for employees and nibusinessinfo.co.uk for employers.
… moreConsumer affairs
Working with both consumers and traders to develop consumer rights and responsibilities
… moreEuropean Fund Management
The Department is the Managing Authority for the 2014-2020 European Social Fund (ESF) Programme and the Investment for Growth and Jobs Programme (ERDF).Advice on all aspects of the European Social Fund (ESF) Programme, including how to apply, ESF guidance and support for successful projects.
… moreTelecoms
Supporting investment in telecommunications infrastructure, facilitating improvements in broadband, mobile and international connectivity
… moreInsolvency service
Administration/investigation of bankrupts and companies in liquidation; disqualification of directors; regulating insolvency profession; Northern Ireland-specific legislation and policy.
… moreMinerals and Petroleum
Responsibilities include: prospecting/development licensing; exploration leases; monitoring abandoned mines; engagement with local councils on Local Development Plans; geoscience information and services through Geological Survey NI.
… moreCredit Unions and Societies
This page is for societies registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Acts (Northern Ireland) 1969 and 1976 and the Credit Unions (Northern Ireland) Order 1985. The Department for the Economy is responsible for the policy and legislative framework.
… moreStatistics and economic research
This page contains statistics, research and analysis about the local economy and the development of skills.
… moreWe work with these bodies
- Tourism Northern Ireland
- Tourism Ireland
- The Consumer Council
- Catalyst Inc (formerly Northern Ireland Science Park)
- Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation
- Invest Northern Ireland
- InterTrade Ireland
- HSENI
- The Certification Officer for Northern Ireland
- The Labour Relations Agency
- CITB NI
- The Industrial Court
- Northern Ireland Screen
- Office of the Industrial Tribunals and The Fair Employment Tribunals
- Universities
- FE Colleges
Our documents
Consultations
Publications
Access to information
How to request information from the Department for the Economy including Freedom of Information (FOI) and the use of our Publication Scheme.
Management and structure
The Departmental Board is chaired by the Permanent Secretary and manages the Department within the strategic policy and resources framework set by the Minister. It supports the Permanent Secretary ...more
Contact us
Adelaide House
39/49 Adelaide Street
Belfast
BT2 8FD
Telephone: 028 9052 9900
Text Relay: 18001 028 9052 9900
Email: dfemail@economy-ni.gov.uk
The Department for the Economy offices at Adelaide House, Killymeal House, Newtownbreda and Fermanagh House are open on a daily basis. Both the former HQ building at Netherleigh and Ann Street Careers Resource centre are now closed. When attending our offices for any reason, visitors should contact relevant officials in advance so that necessary arrangements can be put in place to receive the visitor
Please note: individual work areas may be located on multiple sites other than Adelaide House - check contact pages for details.
Alternatively contact us using our feedback form
Lobbying
Section 8 of The Functioning of Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act NI 2021 places certain duties upon Ministers, special advisers and officials within departments in relation to recording lobbying (as defined by the Act). Contacting the Minister directly (either verbally or through written correspondence to a non-Departmental email or social media account) may result in a record of the contact being included within the Economy Minister’s lobbying register.