The Northern Executive has launched its first "Programme for Government" outlining its plans for the next three years. Some £360 million sterling will be made available to implement it.
The 207-page document, unveiled in draft form last October, contains 257 points of action targeted at six specific areas - equality and social exclusion, health, education, economic affairs, external relations and government reform.
While some Assembly members described the initial draft document as "more aspirational than actual", the First and Deputy First Ministers, Mr David Trimble and Mr Seamus Mallon, yesterday insisted the 150 submissions they had received had enabled them to make the programme more specific in many areas.
Mr Trimble said the revised document was proof that devolution had brought more accountability than direct rule. It would provide unprecedented transparency to judge the Executive's effectiveness, he added.
Among the new initiatives is a commitment to bringing forward proposals for a children's commissioner as well as a strategy specifically aimed at tackling the needs of young people.
There will be a stronger focus on health, including a commitment to cross-departmental action to tackle smoking. Another focus will be on the promotion of sexual health and the reduction of unplanned teenage pregnancies.
Improving and maintaining school buildings and securing within two years an increase from 71 per cent to 76 per cent of 16-year-olds staying on in education are further targets.
The Executive hopes to agree with the Government private sector proposals for a cross-Border gas interconnection by the summer. By the autumn Northern Ireland Electricity and the ESB are expected to agree joint action on further interconnection between their networks.