Deputy First Minister of the Northern Ireland administration, Martin McGuinness has stressed the importance of protecting front line services and the jobs of workers in health and education. The Minister was speaking at the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Northern Ireland Committee’s Biennial Delegate Conference, held today in Derry:
"We all know that following the forthcoming election, we will see budget cuts. Our priority is to protect frontline services. Spending on public services is an investment in our communities, it is about delivering to those most in need. Those that work, for instance, in our health and education systems need to be protected – not have their jobs threatened.
“We need to use public spending smartly, ensuring that we get best value for it. That is why, in supporting local construction and other business sectors, we have also demanded that contracts contain social clauses in regard to employment of the long-term unemployed and training for apprenticeships."
http://www.northernireland.gov.uk/news/news-ofmdfm-280410-political-stability-a
