MPs are to examine strategies for supporting economic growth in
Northern Ireland and the important role that new and emerging
industries can play in driving future prosperity.
The new inquiry from the
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee will also
look at what more can be done to ensure that all parts of NI
benefit from economic growth.
The UK Government's number one mission is ‘kickstarting economic
growth' to boost living standards in every part of the UK. Its
10-year industrial
strategy, published last month, sets out eight high-potential
UK growth sectors for targeted support.
Advanced manufacturing, life sciences, creative industries,
defence and technology (cybersecurity) sectors are identified as
areas where there are ‘strengths and opportunities in Northern
Ireland'.
With the strategy acknowledging that previous approaches have not
sufficiently addressed NI's specific economic needs, the inquiry
will examine proposed initiatives and support put forward by the
UK Government, and how to break down the barriers to economic
growth.
The NI Executive also launched an action plan to support growth
last year, and the inquiry will examine how it can work with the
UK Government to deliver growth and enhance skills in NI.
Additionally, the Committee will explore how to help businesses
better exploit UK-EU dual market access.
MP, Chair of the Northern
Ireland Affairs Committee, said: “There is a fantastic
story to tell of how new and emerging industries in Northern
Ireland are reshaping the economy and the role they could play in
boosting economic growth. We need to ensure that Government
policy over the next decade is tailored to Northern Ireland's
specific growth needs. Our inquiry will be exploring how the UK
Government and NI Executive can work together to give industries
of the future the best chance of success, while ensuring that
economic growth benefits all parts of Northern Ireland.”
Terms of reference
The Committee is inviting written submissions in response to the
following questions:
- What are the main sectoral opportunities for economic growth
in NI?
o How do these align with the eight priority sectors for growth
identified in the UK Government's new industrial strategy?
- What are the main barriers to economic growth in Northern
Ireland, in particular among new and emerging sectors?
- To what extent will economic growth in Northern Ireland be
enhanced by these new Government initiatives:
o Enhanced Investment Zones;
o Local Growth Plans; Local Growth Fund;
o AI Growth Zones;
o Defence Growth Deals; and
o Support for industrial clusters?
- How should the Government and NI Executive work together to
deliver economic growth in NI?
o How do their respective strategies and priorities align or
diverge?
o How should they work together to enhance Northern Ireland's
skills base?
- What steps are needed to ensure economic growth benefit all
parts of NI?
- What steps should the UK Government, NI Executive and
businesses take better to exploit UK-EU dual market access and
the all-island economy.
The deadline for submissions is Friday 19 September.
