Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when Business in the Community was formed; how many businesses are members; what assessment he has made of its ability to represent businesses in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement about the selection of this organisation in connection with the partnerships associated with the EU peace and reconciliation funds. [7385]
§ Mr. MossBusiness in the Community Northern Ireland was established in 1989 and currently has 175 business members. BIC (NI) seeks to develop the involvement of businesses in the economic and social regeneration of disadvantaged urban and rural areas.
Given the emphasis on community participation under sub-programme 6—district partnerships of the EU special support programme for peace and reconciliation—it is envisaged that BIC (NI) will facilitate the nominations of business representatives to the Northern Ireland Partnership Board in consultation with the three primary organisations representative of business, namely the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and the Institute of Directors (NI).