The Economic Advisory Group
Established by Arlene Foster (then Minister of Enterprise, Trade & Investment) in 2010, the EAG comprises a focused group of experts with backgrounds in economics, business and skills. Its primary role is to provide independent advice to the DfE Minister, aimed at challenging and developing public policy and strategic thinking on the Northern Ireland economy.
The group is chaired by Ellvena Graham, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director of ESB and former head of Ulster Bank NI.
The panel
EAG includes a number of high-profile independent economists, business leaders from indigenous and foreign-owned companies in Northern Ireland, the Invest NI Chairman and the Northern Ireland Adviser on Employment and Skills.
Latest news
Northern Ireland Competitiveness Scorecard Published
The Economic Advisory Group (EAG) has today published the first Northern Ireland (NI) Competitiveness Report. Download the EAG Competitiveness Summary Report Download the UUEPC NI Competitiveness Report The EAG provides independent advice to the Minister [...]
Bridget Rosewell appointed to EAG panel
Bridget Rosewell was welcomed on to the EAG panel last week as its newest member. A professional economist and business woman, Bridget brings a wealth of experience to the role. She has founded several economic [...]
Michael Ryan to receive honorary degree from UU
EAG panellist Michael Ryan is to receive an honorary degree from the University of Ulster for services to business and corporate social responsibility. He is one of twelve individuals chosen for their leadership, progressive thinking and integrity [...]
Research & policy advice
One of the EAG’s key roles is to identify the need for, and commission, economic research and policy advice where appropriate and to publish an annual review of the economy for the DfE Minister and other ministers in the NI Executive.
Recent publications
- The Economic Implications of a UK Exit from the EU for Northern IrelandEAG NI2017-05-23T22:39:55+00:00
Minutes
The EAG holds around four meetings each year. Ministers or representatives from other Northern Ireland Executive departments may be invited to attend these meetings. All minutes are published on this site.
Latest minutes
17 June 2016 meeting
The panel discussed the Competitiveness Report, the future work programme, the Programme for Government and Brexit. Download the minutes: EAG Minutes June 2016
29 February 2016 meeting
Joe Reynolds from OFMDFM gave a short presentation on the progress of PfG and an outline timeframe for the next stages of the process. The panel discussed the Competitiveness Report, The National Living Wage, Brexit, the NI Economic Strategy refocus and the new Department for the Economy.
10 December 2015 meeting
Colin Sullivan from DFP gave a presentation on the progress of Government Reform, while Joe Reynolds from OFMDFM gave a short presentation on the progress of PfG, followed by a panel discussion. The Group discussed the Competitiveness Summary, Corporation Tax and the future work programme.
29 September 2015 meeting
The Group discussed the Programme for Government, the Access to Finance update, the Cost of Doing Business report, the Competitiveness Summary and the Export Matters paper.