Finance Minister’s draft budget is broadly welcomed

Finance Minister Mark Durkan’s draft budget has been broadly welcomed by the Northern Ireland power-sharing executive.

Minister for Employment and Learning, Dr Sean Farren has welcomed the presentation to the Assembly of the draft budget for 2002/2003 as a “significant achievement by the Executive.”

Dr Farren said: “Reaching agreement on the draft budget introduced by the Finance Minister, represents a significant achievement by the Executive.

“Not all departments have got from the budget what they would have wished. Despite that, I am particularly pleased to be in a position to roll out my student support proposals including the provision of bursary support for higher education students from the poorest families. The draft budget will also secure continuing provision for adults returning to work and promote lifelong learning.

He added: “The presentation of the budget is a further sign of what is achievable under a devolved administration.”

Meanwhile Environment minister Sam Foster has also welcomed the Executive's draft Programme for Government and Draft Budget for 2002/03.

Mr Foster said: "I welcome the fact that the Draft Programme for Government and Budget recognises the importance of the environment for the health, safety, social and economic well-being of all the people of Northern Ireland."

Referring to the budget for 2002/03, the minister said: “The proposed increase of 8.1 per cent in the DOE allocation for 2002/03 is generally welcome, coming as it does on top of the increase of over 16 per cent which I obtained for 2001/02.

“The Draft Budget would enable my department to continue to address the inherited backlogs on complying with EU environmental policies and in the planning system. I would also be able to maintain the intensified effort on Road Safety.”

Turning to the more difficult aspect of the Draft Budget, Mr Foster said: “The Executive was faced with difficult choices. All ministers have ‘rough edges’ in their Draft allocations. In my case, the Executive's global allocation to DOE implies a £2 million cut in the Resources Grant payable to the District Councils with the weakest rates bases.

“For 2001/02, 16 Councils received Grant. I have no doubt that, if confirmed by the Executive after this consultation, this cut would create real difficulties in terms of Council services and District Rate levels. This would, of course, be a matter of serious concern to me.

“My department is therefore today providing Councils with indicative information so that they can consider the implications and make informed responses to the consultation on the Draft Budget." (AMcE)