11 February 2000

ENTERPRISE MINISTER MEETS NORTHERN IRELAND ECONOMIC COUNCIL

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Sir Reg Empey, MLA, today met members of the Northern Ireland Economic Council to discuss the Council's recent report on publicly funded R&D in Northern Ireland.

Speaking after the meeting, Sir Reg said: "Research and development, and their commercial application, are fundamental to Northern Ireland's future prosperity. The Economic Council's recent report is a further important contribution to policy development in this area.

"I have had a very interesting and thorough discussion with the Council on many issues raised in the report. This will be most helpful in considering ways in which these issues can be taken forward by Government."