Have your say on the draft programme for government, draft investment strategy and draft budget

Public consultation events are to take place on the draft Programme for Government 2008-11, draft Investment Strategy 2008-18 and draft Budget 2008-11.

The three documents were launched together by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister and Department of Finance and Personnel for public consultation on 25 October 2007.

The over-arching aim of these strategies is to build a peaceful, fair and prosperous society in Northern Ireland with respect for the rule of law. Thousands of new jobs and billions of pounds of investment in infrastructure are at the centre of plans announced in the draft Programme for Government. The draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland will see £5.6billion spent on infrastructure projects in the next three years. The draft budget proposes significant increases to public expenditure in Northern Ireland, coupled with a freeze in domestic regional rates.

Four consultation events are being held. These are:

Thursday 29 November in the Guildhall, Londonderry,

Monday 3 December in the Clinton Centre, Belmore Street, Enniskillen,

Wednesday, 5 December in the Spires Centre, Church House, Wellington Street, Belfast, and

Tuesday 11 December at the Southern Education and Library board, 3 Charlemont Place, The Mall, Armagh.

Each event starts at 7pm and anyone who wants to attend should contact the Economic Policy Unit on (028) 9052 0093 or email pfgbudget@nics.gov.uk.

Notes to Editors:

1. More information can be found on the Programme for Government and Budget website www.pfgbudgetni.gov.uk
2. The consultation period ends on 4 January 2008.
3. All media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office, tel: 028 9037 8283. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.