They were speaking today at the Centre for Public Policy Seminars (CPPS) conference at the Stormont Hotel where they outlined highlights from the Executive’s three year Programme for Government and multi billion pound Investment Strategy which were unanimously agreed by the Executive on 21 January.
Amongst other commitments, the Executive has pledged to invest over £500million in regenerating disadvantaged communities by 2012 and to work towards the elimination of child poverty by 2020.
Junior Minister Paisley said: “The Programme for Government and the Budget provide a strong framework of action to build the sort of future we all want to see for Northern Ireland.
“Undoubtedly there are challenges that lie ahead but we believe these can be overcome. We want to build a successful economy, deliver modern and efficient public services, tackle disadvantage and exclusion and protect our natural resources.
“It is essential that we all embrace this opportunity to create a shared and better future for all.”
Junior Minister Kelly said the Executive’s desire was not only to increase prosperity, but to use that increased prosperity to proactively tackle disadvantage and poverty and promote equality, fairness and inclusion.
“These issues directly impact on each other, we cannot have sustainable prosperity in a divided society where too many feel excluded or marginalised or live in degraded environments. Nor can we address those divisions or the disadvantage and poverty which remain all too evident, where people do not have the opportunities and means to realise their potential.
“The Programme for Government, therefore sets out the Executive’s clear commitment to advancing social transformation and the inclusion of all of our people to deliver the peaceful, prosperous, fair and healthy society we all want,” added Mr Kelly.
Notes to Editors:
- Copies of the Programme for government, Budget and Investment Strategy are available on the Programme for Government and Budget website: www.pfgbudgetni.gov.uk
. - Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9052 1375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
