Speaking at the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action’s (NICVA) annual conference in Belfast today which explored the role of the voluntary and community sector.
Gerry Kelly MLA said: "We are conscious that the voluntary and community sector has its pressures and we in the Executive are doing all we can to alleviate the pressures that various groups are facing in these difficult times. Yesterday the Executive agreed there would be no water charges next year, which will save households here around £160. The prospect of water charging is a burden people can do without at this present time. The state of the economy is very much our focus and we will be devoting our time and energy in the days and weeks to come to find ways in which we can cushion the effects this downturn is creating in various sectors across the community."
Jeffrey Donaldson MP MLA said: “We see the sector as partners, not rivals to government. We offer a challenge to the sector - to work with the Executive and Assembly, to help constructively shape policies for Northern Ireland, provide information and evidence to the Assembly Committees and help us, as democratically elected representatives, to deliver the Programme for Government – a shared and better future for all of our people.”
Notes to Editors:
1. NICVA is the umbrella body for voluntary and community organisations in Northern Ireland.
2. Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9037 8204. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
