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02/10/2024
Finance Minister Under Fire For Missed Budget Deadline
SDLP Leader of the Opposition, Matthew O'Toole MLA, has criticised the Minister for Finance for her department's failure to publish a budget sustainability plan by the 30 September deadline.
The requirement for a Budget Sustainability Plan was agreed upon by the UK Government and Executive parties during the restoration of the institutions. It has been extended twice, with departmental officials previously assuring the Finance Committee, chaired by Mr. O'Toole, that the plan would be published by the end of September.
Mr. O'Toole expressed his disappointment in the Finance Minister's failure to meet the deadline, despite previously seeking an extension and assuring the Finance Committee that the plan would be published.
"The department and Minister have tried to portray a competent financial image, but this chaotic shifting of deadlines undermines that reputation," Mr. O'Toole stated.
He further criticised the Minister for using her powers to push out a highly political mini-Budget just before the general election, under the guise of meeting a deadline. "It's particularly disappointing to see her fail to meet this self-imposed deadline," he added.
The requirement for a Budget Sustainability Plan was agreed upon by the UK Government and Executive parties during the restoration of the institutions. It has been extended twice, with departmental officials previously assuring the Finance Committee, chaired by Mr. O'Toole, that the plan would be published by the end of September.
"The department and Minister have tried to portray a competent financial image, but this chaotic shifting of deadlines undermines that reputation," Mr. O'Toole stated.
He further criticised the Minister for using her powers to push out a highly political mini-Budget just before the general election, under the guise of meeting a deadline. "It's particularly disappointing to see her fail to meet this self-imposed deadline," he added.
Latest Northern Ireland News
04 October 2024
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Man Found Dead On Warrenpoint Beach
Police are investigating the sudden death of a man found on Rostrevor Beach on Thursday morning. The man was discovered by a member of the public around 7:25am on Thursday, October 3rd. His identity remains unknown. The man is believed to be in his 60s. He was not carrying any identification and had no distinctive jewellry, tattoos, or piercings.
04 October 2024
Funding Boost For Grassroots Sports Following Olympic Success
Sports Minister Gordon Lyons has announced additional funding for grassroots sports clubs in Northern Ireland, following the country's remarkable performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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Belfast Launches Innovative Cycle Parking Facilities
Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Micky Murray and Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd joined representatives from Queen's University Belfast to unveil three new, state-of-the-art cycle parking facilities on campus.
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Health Minister Encourages Use Of My Care Patient Portal
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Bookstart Baby Program Returns To Northern Ireland
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Appeal Following Burglary Spree In South Belfast
Police are investigating a series of burglaries that occurred in south Belfast overnight. Four separate incidents were reported in the early hours of Thursday, October 3rd. The first incident took place around 12:50 AM in Ravenhill Park. An unknown intruder gained entry to a property, but nothing was reported stolen.
Appeal Following Burglary Spree In South Belfast
Police are investigating a series of burglaries that occurred in south Belfast overnight. Four separate incidents were reported in the early hours of Thursday, October 3rd. The first incident took place around 12:50 AM in Ravenhill Park. An unknown intruder gained entry to a property, but nothing was reported stolen.
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Other News In Brief
UUP Welcomes Airport Takeover, Calls For Clear Plan Ulster Unionist Party Economy Spokesperson Diana Armstrong MLA has expressed support for the Department of Economy's decision to take over the operational costs of City of Derry Airport.
Other News In Brief
UUP Welcomes Airport Takeover, Calls For Clear Plan Ulster Unionist Party Economy Spokesperson Diana Armstrong MLA has expressed support for the Department of Economy's decision to take over the operational costs of City of Derry Airport.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with outbreaks of rain, the rain persistent and, especially in the south, heavy at times. Later this afternoon, drier conditions with sunny spells developing spread across Fermanagh and Tyrone. Fresh southeasterly winds easing. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Outbreaks of rain across northern and eastern counties soon clears to leave the evening dry with clear spells. Overnight a narrow band of occasionally heavy rain pushes northeast. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
