Menu
12/12/2001
NI Assembly passes third budget despite Unionist opposition
Despite hardline Unionists failing to back the 2003/4 budget, the Northern Ireland Assembly passed the budget with a two-thirds majority on Tuesday.
DUP assembly members were incensed when they failed to get north-south components in the budget reduced.
The cross-community voting system required that the budget achieved 60 per cent backing overall and 40 per cent support from unionists and nationalists.
Finance Minister Mark Durkan (SDLP) had earlier attacked the DUP for what he said was “gross hypocrisy” for attempting to remove funding for the cross-border bodies set up under the Good Friday Agreement. An amendment tabled by Maurice Morrow of the DUP, calling for the funds allocated to the cross-border institutions to be redirected into a scheme providing home heating for the needy, was denounced by Mr Durkan who said that these proposals had not been put forward earlier in the year when the budget was being drawn up.
The Finance Minister pointed out that withdrawal of the cross-border funds would have severely damaged the EU Special Programme Fund that supports deprived communities and stifled cross-border business.
However, Mr Morrow said that the issue was important as around 170,000 homes were fuel impoverished and this he claimed caused 600 deaths a year. (SP)
DUP assembly members were incensed when they failed to get north-south components in the budget reduced.
The cross-community voting system required that the budget achieved 60 per cent backing overall and 40 per cent support from unionists and nationalists.
Finance Minister Mark Durkan (SDLP) had earlier attacked the DUP for what he said was “gross hypocrisy” for attempting to remove funding for the cross-border bodies set up under the Good Friday Agreement. An amendment tabled by Maurice Morrow of the DUP, calling for the funds allocated to the cross-border institutions to be redirected into a scheme providing home heating for the needy, was denounced by Mr Durkan who said that these proposals had not been put forward earlier in the year when the budget was being drawn up.
The Finance Minister pointed out that withdrawal of the cross-border funds would have severely damaged the EU Special Programme Fund that supports deprived communities and stifled cross-border business.
However, Mr Morrow said that the issue was important as around 170,000 homes were fuel impoverished and this he claimed caused 600 deaths a year. (SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 February 2022
£1.5m Investment In Employment And Education Projects
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced that her Department will provide match funding for 2022/23 to European Social Fund (ESF) for employment and education projects. The ESF projects aim to help and support people most removed from the labour market to overcome major barriers to social inclusion and entering employment.
£1.5m Investment In Employment And Education Projects
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced that her Department will provide match funding for 2022/23 to European Social Fund (ESF) for employment and education projects. The ESF projects aim to help and support people most removed from the labour market to overcome major barriers to social inclusion and entering employment.
28 September 2022
PSNI Suspend Officer Recruitment
The PSNI has said that "sustained budgetary pressures" has forced them to suspend officer recruitment, with recruits due to begin training in October to the last intake of this financial year.
PSNI Suspend Officer Recruitment
The PSNI has said that "sustained budgetary pressures" has forced them to suspend officer recruitment, with recruits due to begin training in October to the last intake of this financial year.
26 July 2018
DUP Accused Of Using Deprivation Funding To Cover Budget Cuts
The DUP has been accused of using funding allocated to tackle deprivation to "cover budget cuts".
DUP Accused Of Using Deprivation Funding To Cover Budget Cuts
The DUP has been accused of using funding allocated to tackle deprivation to "cover budget cuts".
26 March 2015
Durkan Accused Of 'Mismanaging Budget'
The Environment Minister is being called for answers over his plans to make large cuts to many environment organisations. Alliance Environment spokesperson, Anna Lo MLA, is asking for a special meeting to be held to discuss the issue.
Durkan Accused Of 'Mismanaging Budget'
The Environment Minister is being called for answers over his plans to make large cuts to many environment organisations. Alliance Environment spokesperson, Anna Lo MLA, is asking for a special meeting to be held to discuss the issue.
21 April 2009
Tesco 'Missing Out' On Cross-Border Shoppers
Tesco - while making £billions in the UK - is having a harder time in the Republic of Ireland. According to an internal memo obtained by a grocery trade journal, Tesco is being forced to cut prices in the Republic, and the supermarket giant is concerned that like-for-like sales are "well below expectations".
Tesco 'Missing Out' On Cross-Border Shoppers
Tesco - while making £billions in the UK - is having a harder time in the Republic of Ireland. According to an internal memo obtained by a grocery trade journal, Tesco is being forced to cut prices in the Republic, and the supermarket giant is concerned that like-for-like sales are "well below expectations".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
