The legacy
of the Giro d’Italia, electricity prices and ‘Going for Growth’, the Agri-Food
Strategy report were among the topics in today’s Questions
to the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Arlene Foster.
When the
Northern Ireland Tourist Board have completed the post-event evaluation of the
Giro d’Italia, it is expected that we will have exceeded the 140,000 target set
for out-of-state visitors. The cycling event has helped “change perceptions of
Northern Ireland as a holiday destination and provides a unique marketing opportunity
to grow overseas tourism”. The Minister also believes that “Northern Ireland
has very much set the bar for all future ‘Big Starts’” and that the
infrastructure is now in place to bring other large and prestigious events to
these shores.
Micky Brady
enquired about what efforts the Minister is taking to reduce electricity prices
for industrial and commercial customers. Mrs Foster said that, as electricity
prices are determined by the market and that prices are apportioned fairly
according to consumption, reducing prices for one consumer will mean higher
prices for another. The Utility Regulator is currently compiling a report on
the high energy prices paid by industry and while she will consider the report
before making any changes, she warned that “someone has to pay for the changes,
and we need to discuss who that is going to be”.
During the
regular period for oral questions the Minister also answered queries regarding
Invest NI jobs in West Tyrone, employment in Foyle following the end of the
City of Culture year and the ‘Going
for Growth’ Agri-Food Strategy report. Mrs Foster then answered Members’
topical questions on subjects including the prospect of direct flights to
Turkey, the Glen 10 master plan, labour market statistics and enterprise zones.
