Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney has strongly criticised the DUP's continued obstruction of additional funding for North-South bodies, calling it "unjustified and absolutely indefensible."

His comments came after the Assembly supported a Sinn Féin motion highlighting the DUP's opposition to this new funding within the Executive. The South Antrim MLA expressed disbelief that the DUP continues to block funding from the Irish government, which would support "vital north-south public services," especially given that the Executive is not required to reciprocate. Kearney underscored the positive role these bodies play across the island in areas such as food safety, environmental management, trade, peacebuilding, tourism, and culture.

Welcoming the Assembly's support for the motion, the party's National Chairperson reiterated that the DUP's actions are "wrongheaded." He called for an end to this opposition, arguing that amidst severe public finance pressures, all Executive ministers should "be welcoming additional funding opportunities, working collectively to strengthen our public services and ensuring that these vital all-island bodies continue to play an important role."