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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| Stormont deal: Executive discusses government's financial offer | Stormont deal: Executive discusses government's financial offer |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| The Northern Ireland executive has met to discuss the government's offer of money to implement the Stormont deal. | The Northern Ireland executive has met to discuss the government's offer of money to implement the Stormont deal. |
| It is understood Health Minister Robin Swann updated the executive on his plans to resolve the pay parity dispute for health workers. | It is understood Health Minister Robin Swann updated the executive on his plans to resolve the pay parity dispute for health workers. |
| He is due to meet the health unions later on Tuesday. | He is due to meet the health unions later on Tuesday. |
| Finance Minister Conor Murphy has said that the proposed financial support was "way short" of what was expected. | Finance Minister Conor Murphy has said that the proposed financial support was "way short" of what was expected. |
| He was speaking following a meeting between the Stormont parties and Secretary of State Julian Smith where the financial offer was made. | He was speaking following a meeting between the Stormont parties and Secretary of State Julian Smith where the financial offer was made. |
| BBC NI political correspondent Enda McClafferty said he understood that the financial package was £2bn. | |
| But on Monday the new finance minister said the government's proposal did not go far enough. | |
| "We have to analyse the verbal figures that were given to us tonight by the secretary of state, but my initial read of them is they fall way short and I wouldn't tend to accept that," he said. | "We have to analyse the verbal figures that were given to us tonight by the secretary of state, but my initial read of them is they fall way short and I wouldn't tend to accept that," he said. |
| Earlier, the prime minister said the government had made "huge commitments" as part of the deal. | Earlier, the prime minister said the government had made "huge commitments" as part of the deal. |
| But he did not state how much money would be provided to support the deal, saying it was not about money but leadership. | But he did not state how much money would be provided to support the deal, saying it was not about money but leadership. |
| Speaking after the executive meeting, First Minister Arlene Foster said: "We are energised and resolute in moving forward together for the benefit of all of the people of Northern Ireland. | |
| "There are significant challenges ahead of us, but equally we have a real opportunity. | |
| "With strong leadership and collegiate working we will make sure that our public services are transformed." | |
| 'Collective will' | |
| Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "There is a collective will among all parties in the Executive to transform our public services and deliver the improvements that are desperately needed. | |
| "This won't happen overnight. It will need a coordinated, sustained approach to bring lasting, positive change for all the people of the north. | |
| "Our immediate priorities will include dealing with the issues impacting the most vulnerable. The extension of welfare reform mitigations, a plan to tackle waiting lists and the urgent publication of a Mental Health Action Plan will be among those pressing actions." | |
| The assembly is also sitting as MLAs appoint the new chairs of Stormont's nine scrutiny committees. |