Menu
20/01/2009
Vote On Cutting Number Of Stormont Departments Passed
The DUP has won a battle - but not the war - in a bid to reduce the number of Stormont departments.
Assembly members voted yesterday on the party's motion on cutting the number of departments from 11 to six or seven.
Earlier, DUP assembly members had pointed to a recent decision by the Scottish Government to slash its departments from nine to six and the Stormont motion, which was supported by the Ulster Unionists and the Alliance Party, was easily passed despite opposition from the SDLP.
However, Sinn Fein members, who abstained during voting, said such a move was "premature before a review was completed".
It is also only a DUP victory of sorts, as any actual reduction in the number of departments would also require cross-community support at the Stormont Executive.
The DUP MLAs Simon Hamilton, Peter Weir and Ian Paisley Jnr originally tabled the motion which read: "That this Assembly recognises the importance of ensuring that the maximum amount of public spending is directed at front line services; and calls on the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to bring forward proposals to reduce the number of Government departments."
The party said the move would "reduce duplication and release much-needed cash for frontline services".
However, the SDLP opposed the motion accusing the DUP of "a power grab".
(BMcC/JM)
Assembly members voted yesterday on the party's motion on cutting the number of departments from 11 to six or seven.
Earlier, DUP assembly members had pointed to a recent decision by the Scottish Government to slash its departments from nine to six and the Stormont motion, which was supported by the Ulster Unionists and the Alliance Party, was easily passed despite opposition from the SDLP.
However, Sinn Fein members, who abstained during voting, said such a move was "premature before a review was completed".
It is also only a DUP victory of sorts, as any actual reduction in the number of departments would also require cross-community support at the Stormont Executive.
The DUP MLAs Simon Hamilton, Peter Weir and Ian Paisley Jnr originally tabled the motion which read: "That this Assembly recognises the importance of ensuring that the maximum amount of public spending is directed at front line services; and calls on the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to bring forward proposals to reduce the number of Government departments."
The party said the move would "reduce duplication and release much-needed cash for frontline services".
However, the SDLP opposed the motion accusing the DUP of "a power grab".
(BMcC/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 July 2018
Rise In Number Of People Waiting Over 12hrs In Emergency Departments
The number of people waiting over 12 hours in emergency departments in hospitals throughout Northern Ireland has increased by over 360% in the last year, according to new figures. The data, published by the Department of Health, compared waiting times from April to June 2017 and April to June 2018.
Rise In Number Of People Waiting Over 12hrs In Emergency Departments
The number of people waiting over 12 hours in emergency departments in hospitals throughout Northern Ireland has increased by over 360% in the last year, according to new figures. The data, published by the Department of Health, compared waiting times from April to June 2017 and April to June 2018.
04 May 2004
Minister announces 'Working For You' exhibit at Balmoral Show
Agriculture Minister, Ian Pearson today urged everyone to visit the 'Northern Ireland Departments…Working for You!' exhibition at the Balmoral Show which begins next week. The exhibition has been specially created to showcase the many exciting developments across government departments.
Minister announces 'Working For You' exhibit at Balmoral Show
Agriculture Minister, Ian Pearson today urged everyone to visit the 'Northern Ireland Departments…Working for You!' exhibition at the Balmoral Show which begins next week. The exhibition has been specially created to showcase the many exciting developments across government departments.
21 March 2023
Framework Improves Protocol 'Despite DUP Fault Finding'
The Windsor Framework "improves the NI Protocol, despite DUP fault finding", Green Party Deputy Leader Lesley Veronica has said.
Framework Improves Protocol 'Despite DUP Fault Finding'
The Windsor Framework "improves the NI Protocol, despite DUP fault finding", Green Party Deputy Leader Lesley Veronica has said.
02 September 2002
DUP table motion for dissolution of Stormont
As MLAs returned to Stormont after the summer recess today, the DUP marked the occasion by tabling a motion calling for the dissolution of the assembly and an autumn election. Presented by DUP leader the Reverend Ian Paisley, the motion will now be sent to the business committee to schedule debate on the matter.
DUP table motion for dissolution of Stormont
As MLAs returned to Stormont after the summer recess today, the DUP marked the occasion by tabling a motion calling for the dissolution of the assembly and an autumn election. Presented by DUP leader the Reverend Ian Paisley, the motion will now be sent to the business committee to schedule debate on the matter.
15 October 2013
Assembly Debates DUP NCA Motion
The Northern Ireland Assembly is debating a DUP motion today addressing the possible impact of not establishing the National Crime Agency (NCA) in Northern Ireland. Dubbed the 'British FBI', the NCA is a national law enforcement agency that operates across the United Kingdom.
Assembly Debates DUP NCA Motion
The Northern Ireland Assembly is debating a DUP motion today addressing the possible impact of not establishing the National Crime Agency (NCA) in Northern Ireland. Dubbed the 'British FBI', the NCA is a national law enforcement agency that operates across the United Kingdom.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
