The North's First and Deputy First Ministers are to visit France and Germany as part of a European investment drive tour organised by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment. Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon will meet members of the French and German governments during their four-day tour, which starts in Paris on January 30th.
Meanwhile, the SDLP has backed a call by the Finance Minister, Mr Mark Durkan, for a review of appointment and promotion procedures in the Northern Ireland senior civil service.
According to latest figures, only 10 per cent of senior civil service positions are held by women and only 23 per cent by Catholics.