29/07/2013

New Finance Minister Appointed

Simon Hamilton MLA has been appointed as the new Minister for the Department of Finance and Personnel with effect from today.

Following his appointment Mr Hamilton said: "I am very honoured to be appointed as the Minister of Finance and Personnel and look forward to the role and the important challenges that are ahead of me.

"The portfolio of the Department is not to be underestimated as we work to deliver on a wide range of issues working with other government departments in delivering on the commitments contained in the Programme for Government."

Speaking about the wide range of issues facing the Department the Minister said: "As we continue to rebalance and rebuild Northern Ireland's economy there are significant issues we need to deliver on including the budgetary challenges presented to us by Treasury. I have no doubt that there will be continued financial pressures with competing departmental priorities when hard decisions will have to be made.

"Welfare Reform, rating issues, devolution of Corporation Tax will continue to be high on the agenda as well improving online access to government services by the citizen and continuing to tackle sick absence levels across the whole of the Northern Ireland Civil Service."

(CD/JP)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

02 November 2005
Minister committed to tackling issues facing children
NIO Minister Jeff Rooker has committed himself to championing the causes of children and young people throughout Northern Ireland.
03 January 2013
McGuinness Awarded British Title
Martin McGuinness has been awarded a British aristocratic title following his resignation as a Westminster MP. The deputy First Minister and former IRA member was awarded the title of Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead according to British parliamentary protocol.
04 September 2024
SF Raises NI Funding Issues With Westminster Minister
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has met Alex Norris, the Westminster Minister responsible for local growth, to highlight the funding issues faced by local community groups and organisations.
13 January 2016
Mervyn Storey Appointed Finance Minister
First Minister Arlene Foster has appointed Mervyn Storey as the new Finance Minister. He replaces Mrs Foster who previously held the post before she was announced as the new First Minister on Monday after Peter Robinson stepped down.
14 December 2001
Farren appointed Finance Minister in assembly reshuffle
The SDLP has appointed Dr Sean Farren as Northern Ireland Finance Minister as a replacement for Mark Durkan following his election as Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister in November. As a result of the reshuffle Carmel Hanna has been appointed Employment and Learning Minister in place of Dr Farren.