Unified Northern Delegation Makes Official Visit To The United States

Visits To Washington And New York Hailed By All

A delegation from Northern Ireland's power-sharing government, headed by Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and including DUP Finance Minister Peter Robinson was in the U.S. last week to advertise the fact that the North was "open for business" again.

The delegation first met with members of Congress on Tuesday and told those assembled of the progress made within the new devolved Assembly.

Talking after the meeting, Democratic U.S. Representative Richard E. Neal, chairman of the Friends of Ireland organization, said "It really is an extraordinary day. I must tell you as one who has been engaged in this issue for almost 30 years, just the idea that we would sit in a room today and that we would exchange praise for what I think is an extraordinary initiative is most rewarding and it offers a sense of psychic gratification."

Speaking of Deputy First Minister McGuinness and Minister Robinson, Neal said, "I must tell you, their words in that room were not only eclectic, they were most gratifying."

Northern Ireland At The Smithsonian

On Wednesday, the Northern Ireland delegation inaugurated the "Northern Ireland at the Smithsonian," a part of the Smithsonian Institution's annual Folklife Festival.

Economy Minister Nigel Dodds Welcomes U.S Envoy's Support

After a meeting with Paula J Dobriansky, the U.S President's Special Envoy to Northern Ireland and a group of U.S. business leaders, Ecomony Minister Nigel Dobbs welcomed Ms Dobriansky's commitment to encouraging business investment in the Northern economy.

Responding to her statement, Mr Dodds said: "Today's meeting was very positive and reaffirmed the united position that all Northern Ireland Ministers have for forging and developing strong partnership in the U.S.

"We discussed the opportunities available to both Northern Ireland and overseas investors, in particular those from our largest investment market, the USA.

"We highlighted the benefits of investing in Northern Ireland and discussed one of the major initiatives to be taken forward. This included a series of trade and investment meetings in both countries, which are to be undertaken in the coming months.

"These meetings are a direct result of the announcement made earlier this year by the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, now Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, in relation to major investment conferences.

"My ministerial colleagues and I are committed to working closely with the U.S. Administration and business partners to make these meetings very successful. All of this has the potential to build on existing and new relationships and to strengthen the Northern Ireland economy for the benefit of all the people."

Robinson Calls Into New York Helpline Centre

A new disaster helpline for the North moved a step closer today when Finance Minister Peter Robinson MP, MLA visited a contact centre in New York which could act as a model for the service.

Last week the Northern Ireland Executive announced the setting up of a three-digit number which will be the access point for all Government Departments and agencies in times of crisis.

The Executive's decision was prompted by the recent flooding, when people were unsure about whom to contact to get their problems dealt with.

With a working title of NIDirect, the helpline's aim is to improve customer standards and simplify access to public services for Northern Ireland citizens and to improve service delivery.

The New York 311 concept provides a useful working example from which to develop this high quality multi-channel facility.

The 311 concept was initiated in 2002 by New York Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, and is the city's phone number for government information and non-emergency services.

It has consolidated more than 40 separate call centres and hotlines and 11 pages of government listings in the phone book into one, easy-to-remember number.

Speaking after his visit to the world class public sector contact centre, Mr Robinson said: "Should an emergency or disaster occur, we want to have an immediate and ready response to it.

"This centre is the type of facility we want to establish in Northern Ireland. It's a 'one-stop-shop' which people in need of assistance can call.

"One dedicated number will enable people to make immediate contact with a source of help. That first call will ensure they are put in touch with the correct Department or agency."