Most of the deficit arose from significant overspending by NIEC on events over the previous two years and commitments on the basis of assumed sponsorship which failed to materialise.
To protect Northern Ireland’s reputation for hosting major international events and to as far as possible secure planned events and those in the pipeline, the Executive agreed to meet the liabilities of the NIEC as identified by the external auditors appointed by the company as presented at today’s Executive and to be verified by the professional financial adviser appointed by DCAL with a view to the company being wound up at the earliest opportunity.
Maintaining confidence in the ability of Northern Ireland to attract and host major events will be a priority.
An independent investigation of all the circumstances which led to this situation will be carried out and Minister Poots intends to make a detailed statement to the Assembly next week.
Ministers discussed the implications for Northern Ireland of the loss of computer discs containing personal and banking information of child benefit claimants by HM Revenue and Customs.
The Finance Minister Peter Robinson briefed colleagues on the review of civil service data protection measures he has instituted and the Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie, who has responsibility for the Social Security Agency, the Child Support Agency and the Housing Executive, reported to the Executive that she has also ordered an extensive review and audit of systems.
The Executive also received a report on the follow-up to the tragic house fire in Omagh. Officials from the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety have attended a number of inter-agency meetings in Omagh with a view to ensuring that all avenues of assistance were explored.
Ministers agreed proposals presented by the Minister for Regional Development, Conor Murphy to develop, on a cross-departmental basis, a central government policy for Rathlin, focusing on the Island’s unique needs across a range of issues, including transport, tourism, health, child care and housing.
The Executive also discussed recent job losses and difficulties faced by local companies and their potential impact on the local economy, including the situation at Reid Transport and the Northern Salmon Company at Glenarm.
