Debate contribution: Economic Development

Debate contribution by Mr John Stewart on 23 February 2026.

MLA: Mr John Stewart
Party at the time: Ulster Unionist Party
Date: 23 February 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Economic Development
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5399892

Text

I declare an interest as the chair of the all-party group on micro and small business. I thank the Minister for her answer. It is over a decade since the review of public administration (RPA) led to increased devolved responsibilities for economic development. In that time, our councils have spent hundreds of millions of pounds, yet many people are not seeing delivery. There have been lots of strategies, and there has been a lot of discussion, but we are not seeing a lot of delivery. Do you agree that our local enterprise agencies, which are punching well above their weight and could aid the delivery of much more economic output, are ready and waiting for councils to give them the support and financial assistance that they desperately need?

128 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Oral question AQO 3143/22-27.

Assessment

Not analysed

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