Matthew O'Toole MLA has accused the Executive of failing to show leadership during an international crisis that has driven up household energy and fuel bills across Northern Ireland.

He said the administration had, for weeks, provided little beyond appeals to London and had not set out concrete proposals to deliver available support to families.

O'Toole also criticised ministers for prioritising photo opportunities while remaining silent on how and when the £17 million fund earmarked to help with heating oil costs will reach households. Matthew O'Toole MLA said: "The Executive's radio silence at a time of crisis has been inexcusable. People in Northern Ireland are the most reliant on both vehicle fuel and home heating oil in these islands, but Ministers have had little to say other than writing letters to London and the occasional photo opportunity or dinner.

"At a time when Ministers and MLAs are getting a healthy pay rise despite continued poor performance, it will prompt anger and incredulity that local Ministers cannot even make progress in delivering a package of support with the funding that has been made available to them.

"Next week, Stormont will return – as no doubt will the tired sham fights between the two main parties who have collectively failed to offer leadership at a time of acute crisis for ordinary families. It is another damning indictment on our failed politics in need of fundamental change."