AQO 792/22-27

Ms Joanne Bunting
Democratic Unionist Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 05/09/2024
Answered On Date: 17/09/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance for her assessment of the benefit of a wider spectrum of voices in highlighting the financial needs of Northern Ireland for service provision.

Answer:

I am always keen to work collaboratively with groups and organisations to gain as much representation as possible.

It is important that the Executive speaks with one voice and that approaches are led by the Department of Finance (DoF).

It is a long standing convention and was also a recommendation of the RHI Inquiry, that DoF should be the sole conduit of formal communication with the Treasury.

The financial pressures facing the Executive are well known and they are wider than just one department or body.

I have raised the need for additional funding for public services with both the previous and the current British Government on numerous occasions including most recently when I met the Chancellor last week along with the First and deputy First Ministers.