AQW 37392/11-15

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 13/10/2014
Answered On Date: 28/10/2014
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning what steps his Department has taken to promote areas outside of Greater Belfast as locations for US companies who are seeking to invest in Northern Ireland.

Answer:

Working with Invest NI, the Assured Skills programme is designed to help attract new foreign direct investment companies to Northern Ireland by assuring them that the skills they need to be successful are available in Northern Ireland.

Working in partnership with Invest NI ensures the best possible proposition to potential investors. The programme not only delivers a boost to employment but also our local skill base. Assured Skills support is also available to encourage existing companies who are considering expansion.

My department has no input as to where a foreign direct investment company, who is thinking of investing in Northern Ireland, should locate its office. This is a decision entirely for the company with support from Invest NI.