Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir has said he is committed to doing whatever he can to positively transform our society.
Máirtín Ó Muilleoir was speaking on his first day as Finance Minister as he visited the Skainos Centre in east Belfast today.
Commenting on his appointment, the Minister said: “The role of Finance Minister is one of great responsibility and I am privileged to undertake this role. How public finances are managed impacts on the lives of all our citizens – from the creation of jobs to how our health service is resourced. I am determined to be forward looking and will endeavour to ensure that the resources we have are used to best possible effect.
“This is not a role I will take lightly and I am acutely aware of the challenges ahead, not least that we are operating within the constraints of austerity imposed at Westminster and increased demand for services. However, I am confident a united, forward-looking Executive can combine with the community to transform our society.”
The Skainos project was awarded £6.1million under PEACE III Programme to create a new shared space ‘urban village’ which models new approaches to economic activity, training and education, and access to services.
Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said: “On my first day as Finance Minister I wanted to visit a project that embodies the ethos of inclusion, is playing its part to boost the economy and working to improve education and skills. The Skainos project is doing just that. An innovative and highly visible shared space, it is one of the clear success stories of the EU PEACE III Programme.
“Developments such as these make a significant difference to lives of people using the facilities, and can act as a catalyst for wider transformation of the surrounding area.”
