DEL representive at latest CSR event

The meeting, hosted by NICVA, was part of a series concentrating on this topic, and as part of Vital Links, a project funded by PEACE III.

Mr Hamilton provided an overview of the strategic context of the Review and the current economic situation.  "The Review must be seen in the light of the current economic climate.  The effects of the recession are being seen throughout Northern Ireland as unemployment rises. Over the last two years youth unemployment has doubled, long term unemployment has risen significantly and Northern Ireland still has the largest economically inactive percentage in the UK and Ireland. Linked to this, demand for further and higher education places has also risen significantly."

Mr Hamilton then went on to outline the numerous methods the Department has employed to maintain and improve the long term economic prospects for Northern Ireland.

"DEL can make a difference by contributing to growing a dynamic innovation-led economy through enhancing skills and hence improving productivity.  We also work to address barriers to employment and support individuals to maximise their potential and increase their chances of sustained employment."

Contributors from the floor welcomed the opportunity to hear from the speaker and raised a number of concerns. It was noted that lack of adequate childcare services still poses a barrier to accessing education services and entering the workforce and that mothers in particular are often restricted in this way. Fears that voluntary and community organisations will suffer unduly were also raised.

It was noted that the national purse is diminished doubly when an individual is unable to find work – through social benefits and a loss from the tax revenue.

The anticipation that public expenditure in Northern Ireland will decrease by around £1.2 billion ensures that the Comprehensive Spending Review will impact upon all in our society. The meeting was reminded that the outcomes of the budget are up to individual government departments and the NI Executive as a whole and this is where voluntary and community organisations need to make their voices heard.

Over the coming weeks NICVA has organised a series of roundtable meetings between departments and the voluntary and community sector to discuss the budget and comprehensive spending review.  Details here, and in our event listings.