A third session of talks has been held between Northern Ireland construction industry representatives and the First and deputy First Minister.

Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness have undertaken a series of meetings, in recent weeks, to discuss the impact of the current economic downturn.

The latest meeting focussed particularly on issues such as falling activity in the housing market.

Mr Robinson said: "We are keenly aware that the continuation of restricted access to credit, falling property prices and increasing inflation are having a particular impact on the housing market in Northern Ireland, with consumer and business confidence being undermined as a result.

"We want to hear directly from local stakeholders and representatives in the sector to get their views on the specific pressures that the economic slow down is having here.

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"While there have been some encouraging developments on the housing front in recent weeks, we fully realise that we may not yet have experienced the difficulties at their worst. In the context of the global economic situation the Executive needs to be fully aware of the problems in each of the sectors, before, collectively, considering how the current situation is best addressed to protect the interests of local people."

Mr McGuinness said: "We recognise that the construction sector has been particularly vulnerable to the difficulties associated with the current global financial problems and rising commodity prices.

"The housing market is facing difficult times and the construction industry is on the front line during this economic slowdown.

"This sector is one of significant importance to our economy providing as it does a major source of employment both directly and indirectly.

"To provide support to the economy and the construction sector, we are committed to deliver on the Programme for Government and the Investment Strategy."

The Ministers have already met with senior local representatives of the main financial institutions and the Institute of Directors. They also plan to meet energy providers, regulators, business groups, trade unions and the social and voluntary sector to discuss, from each perspective, the implications of the current economic slowdown.

(PR/JM)