Dickson Welcomes Invest Northern Ireland Review

East Antrim MLA, Stewart Dickson, has welcomed news that the Minister for the Economy announced that he would commission an independent review of Invest Northern Ireland.

The review will be led by Sir Michael Lyons, former chairman of the BBC and current Chairman of the English Cities Fund. Dame Rotha Johnston and Maureen O'Reilly will support him.

Stewart Dickson said: “It’s very welcome news that the Minister has finally decided to conduct a review into Invest NI. However, it must be radical in what it proposes, a quick check-up is not enough with a deep organisational crisis on the horizon.

“There is no doubt that we are in a position of dire political instability. The DUP walking out of the Executive means that no more support can be offered, and the Review, despite how radical, is destined to gather dust with no Executive in place to action its recommendations."

"Unfortunately, it is too little, too late. What will happen to the many organisations seeking financial support in the next financial year? As it is, Invest NI remains in no position to offer support to businesses.

"More than this, the Review must take into consideration industries where Northern Ireland is excelling. In particular, it should focus on creative industries like Fintech and Cybersecurity where we have had major success, but are currently missing out.”

Mr Dickson continued: "The appointments of Sir Michael Lyons, Dame Rotha Johnston and Maureen O'Reilly are entirely welcome, but I am concerned that one person and one sector is missing.

“Northern Ireland has a social partnership of jobs and business, so it is disappointing that the Minister has failed to appoint a trade union representative as a representative of the Social Partnership sector to the Review.

"The Alliance Party is due to meet with the Northern Ireland Executive officials to raise these issues and monitor its progress. I will also be following it closely in my position on the Economy Committee.