FSB calls for practical changes to promote enterprise

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has launched an 'Eight Point Plan' which recommends practical changes to key organisations responsible for economic development and Government departments in Northern Ireland.

Wilfred Mitchell, FSB Policy Chairman said: "The vision of the FSB is for the growth of a sustainable and prosperous economy assisted by a structure of government and institutions that have a pro-enterprise ethos. Our Eight Point Plan recommends eight practical and cost effective changes which will advance this objective across a number of Government Departments, Invest NI, Intertrade Ireland and the Strategic Investment Board."

Mr Mitchell said that as a "matter of priority" the FSB wants to see the early restoration of the NI Assembly and other institutions, with locally accountable Ministers again making decisions.

He added: "Our eight recommendations are based on having a functioning local administration in Northern Ireland. Given that important negotiations are ongoing, we have sent our proposals to all our local MLAs, MPs and decision makers in Northern Ireland which we hope they will find constructive in the current discussions.

"Furthermore the FSB would call upon the Government to launch an immediate Public Consultation on the number and functions of the current system of eleven departments. For a population of 1.7 million, Northern Ireland does not need an expensive and cumbersome system of 11 departments which do nothing to promote joined up Government and does not encourages practical policy making."

The Eight Point Plan from the FSB includes:

• The creation of All-Party Group on Small Businesses in the Assembly;
• Small Business Representation on the Governing Board of the Strategic Investment Board;
• New Invest Northern Ireland Regional Offices to correspond to new Council Boundaries;
• The Department of Finance & Personnel Establish a Non-Domestic Rate Payers Forum;
• The Establishment of a Cross Border Small Business Body;
• OMDFM Convening a European Key Players Forum;
• Invest Northern Ireland establish a Small Business Advisory Group;
• The merger of the Department of Employment & Learning with the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Investment.

He added: "The Review of Public Administration document itself has clear implications for several departments' service delivery which may well call into question their viability."

The FSB has called on the Secretary of State to launch a public consultation on the departmental structure as soon as possible.

(SP)