Fearon calls for the release of full economic data

Sinn Féin MLA Megan Fearon has called on the British treasury to release the full economic data on how much taxation is raised in the North.

Speaking following the DETI heard evidence from NICVA on the quality of economic data available locally, the Newry and Armagh MLA said;

"The evidence from NICVA revealed significant shortcomings in the economic data available for the North.

"This underscores what Sinn Féin have been saying for some time in calling for the release of full economic data outlining exactly how much is raised in taxation in the North.

"We are calling on the British treasury to publish full and accurate economic data for the North to allow the Executive to develop effective economic development strategies.

"During the debate ahead of the Scottish independence referendum, the British government was forced to provide the Scottish Assembly with all of the relevant economic data which allowed for a full and frank analysis of the financial situation.

"In the absence of similar data for the North we can only rely on guesstimates.

"It is hard to understand why the two main departments with responsibility for the economy, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the Department of Finance and Personnel haven't yet sought a full and comprehensive picture of our local economy.

"We are urging all parties to join together to call on the British treasury to release the full economic date for the North."