Note: this publication may not reflect verbatim delivery by Minister Murphy.
Introduction
Good morning everyone.
Can I start by thanking the NI Chamber for organising this event, Phoenix Energy for their sponsorship, and PWC for hosting us in this fantastic building.
When the Executive was suspended and we were preparing for the Economy Department I met with all three organisations, as well as with many of you in the audience this morning.
The overarching message from that engagement, regardless of the specific issues raised, was the need for clarity. A clear set of priorities, and a clear plan for delivering those priorities.
Business Plan
Upon taking up post in February I set four strategic objectives, which I’m sure will be very familiar to you all now:
- Good Jobs,
- Productivity,
- Regional Balance,
- And Decarbonisation.
Today we launch our Business Plan to promote these objectives. It contains 41 key actions, two of which have already been completed. We have produced tailored plans for seven of our most innovative sectors, and we have set up a dedicated Skills Fund.
Other actions we are progressing include:
- Dedicated plans for tourism and the social economy.
- Restructuring Invest NI so that it is more focused on regional economic development.
- Expanding the Magee Campus.
- A Renewable Electricity Support Scheme.
- A new electricity grid connection policy.
- An Employment Bill to promote ‘Good Jobs’.
- And improved support for people with Special Educational Needs after they leave school.
Some actions in this Business Plan require co-operation across Departments.
We are currently collaborating:
- With Education on Careers advice.
- With DAERA on a circular economy strategy.
- With the Finance and Communities Departments on Community Wealth Building.
- And with Infrastructure on Aviation and Route Development.
The collective responsibility for growing a competitive and sustainable economy is incorporated into the Executive’s draft Programme for Government, which is also published today.
So we are now in a position to drive forward delivery.
We have the draft Programme for Government. We have our aligned Department plan. We have within my Department and Invest NI, a desire to make a difference, to get things done.
We have the input and also the healthy challenge from our four Independent Experts.
And we have a strong relationship with the business community, which has shaped this plan, and which will continue to guide us as we now focus on delivery.
Yes we also face significant challenges, not least in terms of resource.
But by implementing this Plan we can turn the dial on our economic performance.
Thank you.