Ministers unveil draft Programme for Government

First Minister David Trimble and Deputy First Minister Mark Durkan have unveiled their new draft Programme for Government (PfG) as “a manifesto for reinvestment and reform and a pledge to improve public services”.

They were speaking as they presented the third draft PfG to the assembly today, which will cover the 2003/4 financial year and beyond.

Mr Trimble said: “In this draft PfG we seek to build on the experience and progress that has been achieved in our two previous Programmes for Government in areas as diverse as education, infrastructure and the needs of children.

“At the core of this programme lie the twin elements we believe must underpin our efforts to make a difference in the years ahead. They are reinvestment and reform."

Describing the draft PfG as “another significant step forward in delivering accountable government that meets the needs of people here”, Mr Durkan said: “I believe that we place at the heart of this Programme for Government a focus on reinvestment and reform. We want to deliver modern, efficient public services. This will require investment. It will also require change.”

The First Minister added: “Back in May we announced details of a new Reinvestment and Reform Initiative designed to allow us to address an estimated £6 billion investment deficit in our infrastructure over the next decade. This draft Programme for Government reflects the work to date and our plans for the years ahead.”

He said the new draft committed local government to modernising the planning process in order to integrate economic, social and environmental needs and that it also restated their intention to promote the recycling of 25% of all household waste by 2006.

The PfG draft highlights proposals for a new model for public administration with a target report date of the end of next year. It also highlights ongoing work in the spheres of tackling poverty and social exclusion as well as developments in relation to the Children’s Strategy.

The draft Programme for Government contains around 170 specific actions and sets out the executive’s key priorities for the year ahead. (MB)