Hundreds of jobs to be created by £50m defence sector deal

Northern Ireland's defence sector is to receive a boost which will lead to hundreds of jobs locally, officials have said.

The Northern Ireland Defence Growth Deal, launched by the UK government, will see £50m invested in tech companies and start ups.

It is a collaboration between the Ministry of Defence, local companies and Queen's University Belfast and is also aimed at helping students develop skills in engineering and technology.

As part of the launch on Wednesday, Defence Minister Luke Pollard will visit Belfast along with Northern Ireland Office Minister Matthew Patrick.

They will be meeting local industry representatives and academics.

The Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said the deal would build on Northern Ireland's aerospace and defence heritage.

"This could be a real game changer," she told Good Morning Ulster.

"Northern Ireland has really strong track record in relation to aerospace and defence and security.

"Today is a positive day to highlight the excellence within those sectors."

Asked about wider support for the deal from the executive, Little-Pengelly said that she understood Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald would not be attending the launch.

"I am absolutely more than prepared to step forward and to step up and champion this great industry. It creates a huge number of jobs," she said.

"Peace and stability comes through strong defence, that's the reality. The citizens of Northern Ireland and the UK and beyond need that strong defence."