Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Laurence Robertson (Conservative). It was answered on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Political and Economic Developments

Question: May I give a warm welcome to the announcement made yesterday, which will enable policing and justice to be devolved in due course, and also enable the Executive to meet? Hopefully, when they can meet, they will be able concentrate on the economy, regardless of when policing and justice is devolved. More than two thirds of Northern Ireland’s gross domestic product is generated by the public sector. What can the Government do to help the private sector increase its activities, so that the people of Northern Ireland can enjoy greater prosperity?

Answer: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his very generous comments about the historic agreement reached yesterday. On the economy, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is of course working closely with me to ensure that we provide all the help that we can for people in Northern Ireland during the downturn. In relation to the private sector, I simply point to one example: the work being conducted by the American Government to bring investment to Northern Ireland. I would like again to put on the record my thanks to the American Government, to President Bush and to the special envoy Paula Dobriansky, who has ensured that everything that can be done to bring private sector investment from the United States is done in Northern Ireland, and will continue.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 483 c224-5
Session: 2007-08
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Devolution Northern Ireland Administration of justice Politics and government
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk