Finance Minister says “devolution is working well”

Finance Minister Mark Durkan has said that the achievements of Northern Ireland’s newly installed government show that devolution is working well.

The Minister, who was speaking at the 10th Annual CIPFA Conference in Newcastle, told delegates that Northern Ireland’s executive’s experience of devolution had been both a radical and evolving process with all its participants endeavouring to progress along a steep learning curve.

Mr Durkan said: “Last week the Executive agreed a draft Budget and Programme for Government which I hope is a reflection of the real commitment of all parties in the Executive to making the long term investment in the permanency of the Agreement.

“The positive work we have witnessed come out of the Executive gives a clear indication of the benefits of devolution and that when it works, it’s worth it. We are endeavouring to ensure that it is making and will continue to make a real difference for all our citizens.

Turning to the draft Programme for Government (PfG), Mr Durkan told delegates at the conference that agreeing the PfG was a remarkable achievement.

He said: “Parties with distinct and different philosophies and agendas have been able to come together to agree a comprehensive programme of actions around these key themes. Certainly there was no such statement available during direct rule.

“The Programme for Government is the document that sets out the aspirations of the Executive, its aims and objectives for the future and how it intends to achieve them. It establishes our key priorities and sets targets for the delivery of services that will challenge and stretch departments.”

Mr Durkan concluded: “The process is much more transparent and rigorous than it has ever been before and this makes for a more efficient and effective allocation of resources. Every bid by a department is now made available so that its merits can be tested. Every spending proposal made by the Executive can be scrutinised in depth and at length. The books are open so everyone knows where we stand.” (AMcE)