Ministers meet with Derry City Council delegation

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA , Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster MLA and DEL Minister Sir Reg Empey today met with a delegation from Derry City Council to discuss the economic issues facing Stream International and the local economy.

The delegation included the City’s Lord Mayor Paul Fleming, councillors representing parties on the council as well as local MLAs.

Speaking after the meeting the deputy First Minister said:-“Today’s meeting provided myself and my executive colleagues with a further opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to play a full part in efforts to alleviate the hardship that faces so many during these difficult economic times. In common with all parts of these islands the North West has been suffering from the effects of the global downturn.

“During the course of the meeting we were able to update the delegation on various initiatives such as the North West Gateway which provides a strategic context in facilitating the regions development in helping to channel funding into the area.

“The NWGI is also linked to the work which Sir Roy McNulty chair of Ilex is undertaking on the regeneration plan for the city which will impact on the region and will have a cross border dimension linking it to the work of the Donegal County Council.

“The development of Ebrington and Fort George sites has the potential to create up to 6,500 jobs and the provision for employment plans at construction stage will result in even greater economic benefits for the city and region. Some of this approach has already been demonstrated in the contract for the building of the new bridge.”

The Programme for Government (PfG) commits this Executive to tackling regional disparities and I am determined to ensure that we follow through on that commitment.”

Speaking after the meeting Arlene Foster said: “Last week I, along with Invest NI Chief Executive Alastair Hamilton, met with Stream Global Services in the USA to discuss how we can support the company’s growth and to encourage the Group to consider locating additional business opportunities at the Londonderry site.

“Invest NI continues to work very closely with the Stream senior management team to help secure new contracts. Invest NI is using its trade development programs to help Stream to access and develop new markets, particularly in India and China and to Identify potential new business outsourcing opportunities through its overseas networks.

Arlene Foster emphasised the continued support of Invest NI for economic development in the North West and said: “Over the last seven years, Invest NI has provided just over £138 million of assistance, to companies in the North West, which contributed towards planned investment of £642 million. Invest NI offered £634 of assistance per head of population in the North West, contributing to £2,952 total planned investment per head. This compares with £618 and £3,233 respectively for Northern Ireland as a whole.”

Sir Reg Empey, the Employment and Learning Minister said, " I have made several recent visits to Londonderry and was there when the first news about Stream International job losses was made. My Department is here to help and my staff have been in regular contact with everyone affected.

"I have put in place initiatives in direct response to the economic downturn and they can help mitigate the impact of the recession generally and in particular people who have worked for Stream International."

“Job Clinics were provided on site in September and October where employees availed of one to one advice, guidance and counselling. Experienced staff provided Jobsearch, advice on completion of application forms, preparation of CV, interview techniques. Redundancy Information Packs containing information on services, programmes, Jobsearch information were also issued to all individuals.

"My staff in Jobs & Benefits offices and JobCentres offer a comprehensive range of services and with contracted Providers to help the unemployed find work, including those who have suffered as a result of recent job losses. DEL also has a range of programmes designed to assist businesses meet their skills needs. Bridge to Employment can deliver skilled staff who have been trained to meet a companies individual needs while the Department can also work with companies to upskill their existing staff."

" The Local Employment Intermediary Service (LEMIS) is a community based service available in Londonderry and Strabane and provides tailored assistance to help people overcome personal barriers that are preventing them from finding employment and keeping a job.

“Earlier this week, I opened a very well attended DEL Awareness Seminar in the Guild Hall to highlight the services my Department has available to employers in the City."

Notes to editors:

Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9037 8142. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.