Welcome to Department for the Economy

Economic strategy, regulation, innovation, enterprise policy, social economy, access to finance, agri-food, Economic Advisory Group and MATRIX

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

Policy and strategy on energy including electricity, gas, renewables and energy efficiency.

Advice on all aspects of further education including policy, courses, how to apply and financial support available.

Information and advice on higher education including policy and strategy, finance governance, student finance and research policy.

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.

Working with both consumers and traders to develop consumer rights and responsibilities

As Managing Authority, the Department is responsible for ensuring the successful closure of Northern Ireland’s 2014-2020 European Social Fund (ESF) and Investment for Growth and Jobs (ERDF) programmes. Links can be found on this page to further information about both programmes. A link is also included to State Aid information provided by the Department’s Subsidy Control Unit.

Supporting investment in telecommunications infrastructure, facilitating improvements in broadband, mobile and international connectivity

Developing tourism policy in Northern Ireland.

Administration/investigation of bankrupts and companies in liquidation; disqualification of directors; regulating insolvency profession; Northern Ireland-specific legislation and policy.

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.

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.

This page contains statistics, research and analysis about the local economy and the development of skills.