05/02/2024

Executive Calls For Urgent Talks On Long-Term Funding Stability

The Executive has written to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call for an urgent discussions on long-term funding stability to deliver public services.

The letter, signed by all Executive ministers, states that the current financial package 'does not provide the basis for the Executive to deliver sustainable public services and public finances' and adds the additional funding from the Government's financial package 'will only serve to provide a short-term solution to the pressing issues we now face'.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "This morning the Prime Minister will meet Executive ministers united in our determination to get the right long-term funding package agreed.

"If we are to tackle the serious problems across public services – in our hospital and our schools - then how we are funded needs to change and I will be strongly pressing that point at today's meeting.

"It is critical that the Executive has the right resources to deliver effective public services for all our citizens and we will engage with the Prime Minister to achieve our shared objective."

The deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: "I welcome the opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister this morning where he will hear an Executive speaking with one voice.

"We will be saying that the people of Northern Ireland deserve better public services and that we need to work together - the Executive and the Government - to deliver long term fiscal stability.

"We are ready to engage with the Government and get down to the work of putting our finances on a sound footing, however, we will also be seeking to ensure the UK Government provides sufficient funding in a package to fulfil its promises on public sector pay."

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