Oral Answers to Questions

Nic Dakin Excerpts

Wednesday 27th November 2013 Commons Chamber

[Karl Turner (Kingston upon Hull East) (Lab)]

4. What steps she is taking to reduce worklessness in Northern Ireland.

[Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab)]

6. What steps she is taking to reduce worklessness in Northern Ireland.

[The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr Andrew Robathan)]

I am answering these questions together as they use exactly the same wording, which is a rather strange coincidence.

[Mr Robathan]

Specific measures on this issue are for the Northern Ireland Executive. However, the economic pact we concluded with them in June will help to rebalance the economy and improve employment prospects. As the hon. Gentleman will know, the number of those who are unemployed in Northern Ireland has fallen dramatically over the past year, and the number of employee jobs has increased by more than 5,000.

[Nic Dakin]

Worklessness contributes to one in four children in Northern Ireland being in severe poverty, which is double the UK average. What are the Government doing about that?

[Mr Robathan]

Worklessness, as the hon. Gentleman will understand, is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive, but we support them in their stand to increase employment and reduce the number of people on unemployment benefit. The best route out of poverty is through work. As he will know, we are turning the corner on the economy, which is increasing employment both in the United Kingdom as a whole and in Northern Ireland specifically.