AQO 3931/22-27

Mr Peter McReynolds
Alliance Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 03/09/2026
Answered On Date: 15/09/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance whether he will introduce shared future proofing as part of the budget setting process.

Answer:

All departments are required to have regard not only to the need to promote equality of opportunity, but also to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different religious belief, political opinion and racial group, in line with their statutory obligations under Section 75. Promoting good relations is also consistent with the principles of reconciliation, inclusion and mutual respect that are central to the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.

An Equality Assessment was published as part of the consultation process for both the draft 2025-26 Budget and the draft 2026-29/30 Budget.

These assessments provide an overarching, strategic view of the potential impact of the draft budget on all Section 75 groups and Good Relations.