Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any recent discussions her Department has had on the progress of the Northern Ireland Defence Growth Deal.
Minister for the Economy: My officials have been in regular contact with British Government officials and local stakeholders to ensure the north has access to the associated funding. Progress is being made to shape a portfolio of interventions to support skills and capability development across the advanced manufacturing, digital and technology sectors, with discussions ongoing in relation to other aspects of the Deal, including innovation and supply chain.
The British Government has not established a definitive timetable around project approvals and funding drawdown.
ENDS
