Robinson pledges tight grip on Northern Irelands finances

Northern Ireland’s new Finance Minister, Peter Robinson MP, MLA, has set out his key priorities for his Department.

Speaking this afternoon from the Department of Finance & Personnel’s Ministerial offices inside the Stormont estate, Mr Robinson said:

“As DFP Minister I intend to set a clear direction for our approach to Northern Ireland’s finances. It will be my goal to maximise the benefits from the available public spending in the Province and create a more prosperous society.

“I am looking forward to challenges which lie ahead and, in particular, I will be committed to:

• Delivering a fair deal for ratepayers;
• Ensuring the most efficient delivery of public services, and
• Helping create a competitive economy for Northern Ireland.

“DFP plays a key role in every Department’s spending and I intend to make full use of our scrutiny powers to ensure that Departments meet their budgetary commitments within the agreed timescales and deliver value for money.

“With financial resources limited, Northern Ireland cannot afford the luxury of inefficient public services which penalise the ratepayer and those who can benefit from frontline services.

“The success of the economy, and our long term prosperity, will depend on the growth of the private sector here. It is therefore essential that the administration provides the structure to allow that growth to take place. It is my intention to bring forward Budgets and spending plans to deliver this goal.”