Máirtín Ó Muilleoir appointed as new Finance Minister
Date published:
Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir has said he is committed to doing whatever he can to positively transform our society.
Máirtín Ó Muilleoir was speaking on his first day as Finance Minister as he visited the Skainos Centre in east Belfast today.
Commenting on his appointment, the Minister said: “The role of Finance Minister is one of great responsibility and I am privileged to undertake this role. How public finances are managed impacts on the lives of all our citizens – from the creation of jobs to how our health service is resourced. I am determined to be forward looking and will endeavour to ensure that the resources we have are used to best possible effect.
“This is not a role I will take lightly and I am acutely aware of the challenges ahead, not least that we are operating within the constraints of austerity imposed at Westminster and increased demand for services. However, I am confident a united, forward-looking Executive can combine with the community to transform our society.”
The Skainos project was awarded £6.1million under PEACE III Programme to create a new shared space ‘urban village’ which models new approaches to economic activity, training and education, and access to services.
Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said: “On my first day as Finance Minister I wanted to visit a project that embodies the ethos of inclusion, is playing its part to boost the economy and working to improve education and skills. The Skainos project is doing just that. An innovative and highly visible shared space, it is one of the clear success stories of the EU PEACE III Programme.
“Developments such as these make a significant difference to lives of people using the facilities, and can act as a catalyst for wider transformation of the surrounding area.
Notes to editors:
1. The PEACE III Programme, funded though the European Regional Development Fund and by NI Executive and Irish Government match funding, is worth €333 million and is aimed primarily at reinforcing progress towards a peaceful and stable society and promoting reconciliation. It focuses on helping Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland to reconcile communities and contribute towards a shared society. The NI match funding for Theme 2.1 was provided by the Department for Communities (DfC).
2. The PEACE IV Programme is worth €269 million. Full details of the programme and application calls are available from the Special EU Programmes Body as programme Managing Authority – www.seupb.eu
3. The Skainos project hosted the official launch of the PEACE IV and INTERREG VA Programmes in January 2016.
4. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Finance Press Office on Tel: 028 9081 6724 or Tel: 028 9081 6895. Out of Office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.