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16/12/2008
Rapid Response 'Fastest Ever' Law-Making Helps Needy
A Stormont Bill to help those suffering from high fuel costs in NI, which is expected to become law in January, will enter more than just the statute books - it will also be a record achievement as one of the fastest pieces of legislation ever passed here.
The First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have just announced that the Northern Ireland Executive will make a payment of £150 to householders on pension credit and income support, such as vulnerable pensioners who may not be able to afford the high cost of heatring oil.
The £15 million announcement was made following a meeting of the Executive in Stormont Castle on Monday.
The payment will be made to over 100,000 households through a new 'Rapid Response Capacity', which will be fast tracked through the Assembly in the form of a new Financial Assistance Bill.
Mr Robinson said: "This new mechanism will initially be used to direct funds towards the most vulnerable in our society at a time of exceptional need in relation to fuel costs."
Also commenting, Mr McGuinness said: "In the future however we can deploy the capacity to provide a rapid and effective response to any situation the Executive feels warrants the protection of local interests."
(BMcC)
The First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have just announced that the Northern Ireland Executive will make a payment of £150 to householders on pension credit and income support, such as vulnerable pensioners who may not be able to afford the high cost of heatring oil.
The £15 million announcement was made following a meeting of the Executive in Stormont Castle on Monday.
The payment will be made to over 100,000 households through a new 'Rapid Response Capacity', which will be fast tracked through the Assembly in the form of a new Financial Assistance Bill.
Mr Robinson said: "This new mechanism will initially be used to direct funds towards the most vulnerable in our society at a time of exceptional need in relation to fuel costs."
Also commenting, Mr McGuinness said: "In the future however we can deploy the capacity to provide a rapid and effective response to any situation the Executive feels warrants the protection of local interests."
(BMcC)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
