The Department for Social Development (DSD), which has the largest staff numbers in any government department, is partially decentralised in terms of the Social Security Agency. However, many of its other activities are located in Belfast.
Minister Ritchie was keen to explain to Sir George Bain that she is very enthusiastic about the potential for decentralisation, which in her view can make a significant contribution to improving the regional economic balance across the North.
Margaret Ritchie said: “I am delighted to have had the opportunity to set out my own thinking to Sir George and his team. DSD makes a considerable contribution to economic regeneration in Northern Ireland but we can do more with the careful and planned redistribution of our activities. I know that a very large number of DSD staff would welcome the opportunity to relocate to other towns around Northern Ireland.
“I also have a particular commitment to the North West where I believe a major relocation of public jobs is absolutely justified. The meeting was also a chance to hear first hand the up to date position on Sir George’s Review and his findings to date. I also took the opportunity to inform Sir George that I will be establishing Northern Ireland’s brand new Charities Commission and that it was my intention that this office and its jobs would be located outside Greater Belfast.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Minister Ritchie has responsibility for the Department for Social Development which is Northern Ireland’s largest Government Department in terms of staff numbers.
- Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9490 or mobile 07788 108657. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
