Debate contribution: Economy: Regional Imbalance

Debate contribution by Ms Sinéad McLaughlin on 23 February 2026.

MLA: Ms Sinéad McLaughlin
Party at the time: Social Democratic and Labour Party
Date: 23 February 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Economy: Regional Imbalance
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5399951

Text

Thank you, Minister. I, too, look forward to that engagement. Although you have a subregional economic plan, including the development of local economic partnerships, those remain policy mechanisms rather than statutory obligations. Why do you believe that an approach that is based on discretion and short-term programmes is sufficient to change the structural imbalances that have persisted in Northern Ireland for decades?

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

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Topical question AQT 2071/22-27.

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