Stormont budget: Finance Minister hopes agreement soon

Stormont’s finance minister has said she hopes the executive will agree a budget when it meets on Thursday.

Caoimhe Archibald said it would be “really challenging” for all departments.

The executive must approve any budget before it can go to the assembly.

Ms Archibald previously said she wanted it to be passed by the end of April.

“I won’t preempt the discussions but I will be hoping we get an agreed budget… my intention then is to move to the next phase of engagement with the Treasury because what has been acknowledged is that we have been funded below need, that we need to be funded properly going forward to allow us to deliver the type of public services people need or deserve,” she said.

All departments, however, are likely to face some difficulties when it comes to what to prioritise within their individual budgets.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said now was the time to strike the budget, to allow money to flow to departments for this financial year.

But she said she and the deputy first minister would continue to press for additional funding from Treasury.

“This is the time for collective leadership, to strike the budget and put the money into each department,” added Ms O’Neill.

Emma Little-Pengelly, the deputy first minister, said the budget was always going to be tough and require “prioritisation”.

“This is about managing expectations, everyone is aware challenges will remain but we will always fight to get the best deal for Northern Ireland when it comes to the budget.”