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02/10/2024
Finance Minister Under Fire For Missed Budget Deadline
SDLP Leader of the Opposition, Matthew O'Toole MLA, has criticised the Minister for Finance for her department's failure to publish a budget sustainability plan by the 30 September deadline.
The requirement for a Budget Sustainability Plan was agreed upon by the UK Government and Executive parties during the restoration of the institutions. It has been extended twice, with departmental officials previously assuring the Finance Committee, chaired by Mr. O'Toole, that the plan would be published by the end of September.
Mr. O'Toole expressed his disappointment in the Finance Minister's failure to meet the deadline, despite previously seeking an extension and assuring the Finance Committee that the plan would be published.
"The department and Minister have tried to portray a competent financial image, but this chaotic shifting of deadlines undermines that reputation," Mr. O'Toole stated.
He further criticised the Minister for using her powers to push out a highly political mini-Budget just before the general election, under the guise of meeting a deadline. "It's particularly disappointing to see her fail to meet this self-imposed deadline," he added.
The requirement for a Budget Sustainability Plan was agreed upon by the UK Government and Executive parties during the restoration of the institutions. It has been extended twice, with departmental officials previously assuring the Finance Committee, chaired by Mr. O'Toole, that the plan would be published by the end of September.
"The department and Minister have tried to portray a competent financial image, but this chaotic shifting of deadlines undermines that reputation," Mr. O'Toole stated.
He further criticised the Minister for using her powers to push out a highly political mini-Budget just before the general election, under the guise of meeting a deadline. "It's particularly disappointing to see her fail to meet this self-imposed deadline," he added.
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