Dolan welcomes Executive’s budget to ‘improve the lives of workers and families’

Sinn Féin MLA Jemma Dolan has welcomed yesterday’s budget agreement by the Executive.

She said it highlights the Executive’s commitment to delivering on its Programme for Government priorities.

The budget includes funding for childcare, waiting lists, ending violence against women and girls and transformation of public services.

“It’s great news that the Executive has agreed on a budget,” said the party’s public finances spokesperson.

“The Executive is committed to improving the lives of workers, families and communities, as set out in the Programme for Government, despite underfunding and savage British government cuts.

The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA also welcomed confirmation from Finance Minister John O’Dowd that, from next year, the Executive intends to move to multi-year spending plans.

“It is welcome that this will be the last single-year budget—meaning Executive ministers can plan multi-year investments—something which Sinn Féin has consistently pressed the British Treasury on.

“Sinn Féin is committed to delivering stronger public services and a better future for all, and we will continue to fight for fairer funding to enable us to get on with this vital work.”