Reduce number of government departments to stop tap tax

12.08.27pm GMT Mon 29th Jan 2007

Alliance Economy Spokesperson Sean Neeson MLA

Alliance Assembly economy spokesperson Séan Neeson has demanded a reduction in the number of government departments, to ensure more coherent economic policy. He stated in the Assembly today that if greater efficiency were achieved, local people would not face water charges.

The East Antrim MLA stated: "It is clear that the 10 departments have become unwieldy, and a reduction back to six departments as before, would enable more efficient government.

"We have seen with the growth of the Celtic Tiger that efficient government is central to encouraging economic growth.

"Such moves would mean that there was no need for water charges and such like. It is regrettable that while other parties still talk of opposition to those charges, they have not come up with a plan to block them."

ENDS