To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the work of the Ministerial Sub-Group on Regional Opportunities with regards to the North West area.

The Ministerial Sub-Group on Regional Opportunities held two meetings which focused on the North West and considered the work being taken forward by departments and other agencies to promote investment and economic development in the area. The statement released following the second meeting advised of the Sub-Group’s consensus on the importance of investment in road infrastructure to improve access to and from the area and thereby enhance economic growth. Future meetings of the Sub-Group will seek to consider similar issues in relation to other areas, but the work of departments in promoting inward investment and in the implementation of major projects, including the A5 road, to benefit the North West will continue.