Speaking at a meeting with local politicians and business leaders from a wide range of sectors in Londonderry last week the Minister Sir Reg Empey outlined how his Department is providing practical help to assist both local businesses and individuals.
The meeting was attended by councillors from Derry City Council, Strabane and Magherafelt District Councils and Limavady and Coleraine Borough Councils. In addition, MLAs and MPs from Foyle, East Londonderry, Mid Ulster and West Tyrone were present, as were representatives from the local Chambers of Commerce and Trade.
The Minister said: "My Department is here to help. It is people and businesses that have borne the brunt of this recession and it is people and businesses that have been the focus of my Department's work.
"I have put in place initiatives in direct response to the downturn and they will help mitigate the impact of the recession and help us make the most of the recovery when it comes."
Sir Reg also asked for feedback on the programmes currently on offer.
He said: "In order to provide meaningful help, I want to make sure that the initiatives we offer are relevant and timely. It is only by listening to feedback that we will be able to tailor the help we offer so that it is most effective and will enable us all to create a more prosperous future for our people, for our businesses and for our economy."
This is the first of a series of meetings the Minister is holding with local councils and businesses throughout Northern Ireland.