To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for an update on the process of transferring functions for local economic development from InvestNI to new district councils.

A comprehensive programme of engagement has taken place between my Department, Invest NI, Councils and the Department of Environment to ensure the transfer of functions takes place smoothly and efficiently.

Invest NI will remain the primary economic development agency for Northern Ireland responsible for local business development after the reform of local government takes place. From April 2015 it will be the responsibility of local councils to determine the schemes they will establish to deliver those functions which are transferring.

DETI and Invest NI have prepared input to the DOE Performance Framework, a draft Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Councils on contracts for Regional Start Initiative and Social Enterprise Programme and an overarching Guidance document for Councils.