Assembly Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee hosts joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

The Assembly’s Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment (ETI) yesterday hosted their Oireachtas counterpart in a meeting devoted to improving the border economy.

The two Committees heard from the Centre for Cross Border Studies and InterTradeIreland on what can be done to ensure that the businesses and skilled workers in the border region are given opportunities to develop.

Chairperson of the Assembly’s ETI Committee, Patsy McGlone, MLA said: “Today’s meeting was very productive. We were pleased to have InterTradeIreland which talked about the support that is required for businesses. We also discussed ways we can work together to maximise the impact of funding for businesses on a north south basis, particularly in the fields of research innovation and development.”

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, Chairperson of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, said: “The engagement that MLAs, Deputies and Senators had with the Centre for Cross Border Studies, InterTradeIreland, and each other was interesting and informative. The availability of supports and services are essential for many small businesses to flourish, innovate and expand and it is important that all businesses north and south avail of the expertise and opportunities afforded by organisations such as InterTradeIreland which has responsibility for boosting North/South economic co-operation. Our meeting gave us all plenty to think about and I’m looking forward to continued co-operation with the Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment on areas of mutual interest.”

Chairperson McGlone concluded: “This is the second occasion our two Committees have met and we are continuing to look at issues such as roads, infrastructure and investment for small and medium enterprises. Both Chairperson Kennedy and I are convinced that if we work together and follow through on these issues, it will benefit business and help create more jobs for all our young people.”