Menu
22/08/2022
Murphy Urged To Outline Actions To Tackle Cost-Of-Living Crisis
The SDLP have called on Caretaker Finance Minister Conor Murphy to outline what steps he is taking to address the cost of living crisis.
Matthew O'Toole MLA made the call after the Department of Finance confirmed a significant portion of the £400m plus currently deadlocked at Stormont could be used for the £400 energy payment scheme.
Caretaker Ministers remain in post with responsibility for significant departmental budgets and many have made 'at-risk' spending decisions outside of formal agreement in the absence of an Executive.
Mr O'Toole has urged the Finance Minister to work with colleagues and co-ordinate a response to the crisis which will leave many families facing destitution this winter.
Matthew O'Toole MLA said: "Caretaker Ministers have remained in place for months now in spite of the reckless DUP strategy to prevent the formation of an Executive. While there are limitations placed on them in the current circumstances, they retain significant spending power and some have chosen to expand the limits of that power with 'at-risk' allocations to vital services.
"In the current environment, there is no more vital service than getting support to people and families across Northern Ireland facing destitution as a difficult autumn and winter approaches. NHS leaders are warning we are facing a humanitarian crisis, that people's health and potentially even their lives could be at risk without action, the situation we are facing couldn't be more stark.
"The Finance Minister should be working with his fellow Caretaker Ministers to co-ordinate a response to the crisis, issuing directions to other departments to divert any available resource to programmes and schemes that will mitigate the impact of soaring food, fuel and energy bills. We are also seeking clarity on what work has been undertaken to identify current schemes with approvals that could be repurposed or refunded to get support out to those who need it right now.
"The Opposition is today calling on Conor Murphy to outline what steps he has taken to intervene given the emergency gripping communities."
Matthew O'Toole MLA made the call after the Department of Finance confirmed a significant portion of the £400m plus currently deadlocked at Stormont could be used for the £400 energy payment scheme.
Caretaker Ministers remain in post with responsibility for significant departmental budgets and many have made 'at-risk' spending decisions outside of formal agreement in the absence of an Executive.
Mr O'Toole has urged the Finance Minister to work with colleagues and co-ordinate a response to the crisis which will leave many families facing destitution this winter.
Matthew O'Toole MLA said: "Caretaker Ministers have remained in place for months now in spite of the reckless DUP strategy to prevent the formation of an Executive. While there are limitations placed on them in the current circumstances, they retain significant spending power and some have chosen to expand the limits of that power with 'at-risk' allocations to vital services.
"In the current environment, there is no more vital service than getting support to people and families across Northern Ireland facing destitution as a difficult autumn and winter approaches. NHS leaders are warning we are facing a humanitarian crisis, that people's health and potentially even their lives could be at risk without action, the situation we are facing couldn't be more stark.
"The Finance Minister should be working with his fellow Caretaker Ministers to co-ordinate a response to the crisis, issuing directions to other departments to divert any available resource to programmes and schemes that will mitigate the impact of soaring food, fuel and energy bills. We are also seeking clarity on what work has been undertaken to identify current schemes with approvals that could be repurposed or refunded to get support out to those who need it right now.
"The Opposition is today calling on Conor Murphy to outline what steps he has taken to intervene given the emergency gripping communities."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 August 2022
Finance Minister Urged To Outline Actions On Cost-Of-Living
SDLP MLA and 'Leader of the Opposition', Matthew O'Toole, has called on Caretaker Finance Minister Conor Murphy to outline what steps he is taking to address the cost of living crisis.
Finance Minister Urged To Outline Actions On Cost-Of-Living
SDLP MLA and 'Leader of the Opposition', Matthew O'Toole, has called on Caretaker Finance Minister Conor Murphy to outline what steps he is taking to address the cost of living crisis.
11 August 2022
Ministers Urged To Take Cost-Of-Living Crisis Seriously
Stormont and Whitehall must start to take the cost-of-living crisis facing households in NI seriously, SDLP Deputy leader Matthen O'Toole' has said. Mr O'Toole was speaking after SDLP Opposition MLAs met a number of organisations at Stormont to discuss the impact of the energy, food and fuel costs crisis on people across the North.
Ministers Urged To Take Cost-Of-Living Crisis Seriously
Stormont and Whitehall must start to take the cost-of-living crisis facing households in NI seriously, SDLP Deputy leader Matthen O'Toole' has said. Mr O'Toole was speaking after SDLP Opposition MLAs met a number of organisations at Stormont to discuss the impact of the energy, food and fuel costs crisis on people across the North.
21 August 2003
Government called on to help save textile jobs
Local political representatives were seeking an urgent meeting with NIO Enterprise Minister Ian Pearson today following the news that Carpet International has gone into receivership.
Government called on to help save textile jobs
Local political representatives were seeking an urgent meeting with NIO Enterprise Minister Ian Pearson today following the news that Carpet International has gone into receivership.
26 October 2010
NI Quarry Sector Crisis Tackled In EC
There has been a move to resolve a crisis that is facing the aggregates sector of quarrying in Northern Ireland.
NI Quarry Sector Crisis Tackled In EC
There has been a move to resolve a crisis that is facing the aggregates sector of quarrying in Northern Ireland.
11 June 2018
£8.8m To Be Invested In GP Services
A total of £8.8million is being invested in GP services in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health has confirmed. Over half of the funding is to be used for the practice-based pharmacist scheme. There will be almost 200 pharmacists working at GP practices by the end of this year, according to the department. A further £1.
£8.8m To Be Invested In GP Services
A total of £8.8million is being invested in GP services in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health has confirmed. Over half of the funding is to be used for the practice-based pharmacist scheme. There will be almost 200 pharmacists working at GP practices by the end of this year, according to the department. A further £1.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
