Martin McGuinness.
The Executive must take a united approach to tackle the high level of unemployment in the North West, Deputy First Minister has said.
Speaking a meeting of the Executive, the Sinn Fein MLA said he was becoming “increasingly concerned” at the high levels of the numbers of out work in the region
He added: “As well as the economic crisis, there are historic reasons why that is the case.
“However, I firmly believe there is a responsibility on the entire Executive to tackle this issue, not least because the Executive is already committed to redressing the regional disparities, which exist in the North.
“There is also a specific focus required from individual ministers, particularly in terms of issues such as the promotion of Derry to investors and the wider North West, the expansion of Magee University and the provision of the required infrastructure and office space.
“I have raised this matter with Executive colleagues and there will be further discussions in the time ahead regarding the practicalities of what the Executive can do to assist the north west.
“I believe that all Ministers are open to providing whatever assistance they can from their respective departments.”
Mr McGuinness said he would continue to work with all stakeholders including the local Council and the Ilex Urban Regeneration Company to build on the good work that had already been done to ensure the high levels of unemployment and disparity which existed in the North West were “successfully tackled.”
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