AQW 32512/22-27

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 01/10/2025
Answered On Date: 08/10/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any (i) advice; and (ii) guidance, provided to each Department of the Executive, to ensure regional economic balance is considered before any award of contract, tender or grant monies are decided.

Answer:

DoF has responsibility for policy around procurement and I do not have a remit to provide guidance to other Ministers on this. I am, however, glad to see a growing awareness of the importance of regional balance, which has been raised as a whole government issue within the new Programme for Government. I look forward to working with colleagues across the Executive to make sure this continues.