Robinson and McGuinness to bring Forum recommendations to the Executive

First Minister Rt. Hon Peter D. Robinson MP MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA have announced that they will bring the recommendations put forward by the Cross Sector Advisory Forum (CSAF) to the Executive for consideration.

Ministers chaired a meeting of the Forum today where the various working groups set up by the forum brought forward a number of proposals. The 70 recommendations cover issues such as planning, availability of bank finance, benefit uptake, promoting renewables and the social economy, illegal money lending, benefit uptake, small business access to procurement projects, money guidance rollout, development of the gas industry and energy efficiency.

Convened by the Ministers in April 2009, the Forum acted as an economic taskforce to provide advice and ideas to map a path through the current economic crisis.

Speaking following the meeting Mr Robinson said: "It is vital that government re-builds economic confidence. We must provide reassurance to the local business community that we are eager to provide support notwithstanding the real pressure in public finances.

"Many of the recommendations discussed today do not require new finance. The Executive is determined to regain lost economic ground. We have agreed to report back on our discussions today with the Forum, to the next meeting of the Executive."

The deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: "These recommendations will provide the Executive with an additional framework to tackle the economic crisis that we continue to face.

"Just as important however, is the ongoing work that flows from the Hillsborough Castle Agreement that will help provide the vital political stability which is a crucial element in our efforts to attract investment and enhance the economic prospects of all our people."

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