There has been a call for a radical overhaul of the Stormont Executive, including the setting up of a department with responsibility for planning, town centre regeneration and transport.

The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIRTA) proposals come in a detailed policy document, 'Programme for Prosperity', which has been launched to coincide with the organisation's 10th anniversary and contains over 70 recommendations for all 12 government departments.

This is the first time any local business organisation has produced comprehensive policy priorities for all 12 departments and was launched today at an event to celebrate the anniversary at Parliament Buildings.

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NI Finance Minister Sammy Wilson hosted the event at which the organisation also called for the publication of draft Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 5, and action to reduce energy costs and increase renewable energy options for retailers.

NIIRTA Chief Executive and author of the report, Glyn Roberts said that the launch of the policy document, which has proposals for each of the Northern Ireland government departments, is recognition that the system of government here is too cumbersome and complex to really tackle the issues facing Northern Ireland today.

"Over the past ten years NIIRTA has given leadership to our local independent retail sector and called for a level playing field in relation to retail planning policy and for the need to protect and enhance our town centres," he said.

"We recognise that having devolution has been good for Northern Ireland and good for our economy. However it could be even better."

(NS/BMcC)