Debate contribution: Executive Budget

Debate contribution by Mr Matthew O'Toole on 15 September 2026.

MLA: Mr Matthew O'Toole
Party at the time: Social Democratic and Labour Party
Date: 15 September 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Executive Budget
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5706017

Text

Minister, frankly, it is not fair for you to accuse me of making grandiose statements when I am not the one who is responsible for setting a Budget. My job, as the leader of the Opposition, is to hold you and the Executive to account. Public sector workers and the public want that. I contacted public sector workers, unions and others about the impact of there being no Budget. I am aware of many instances where people are being laid off, projects are being stalled and services are being cut because a Budget has not been set. I say that while agreeing with you that we want the best possible settlement and encouraging the British Government to properly fund this place. I agree with all of that. Do you agree that people are being failed? Do you, collectively with your Executive colleagues and, indeed, the British Government, accept any responsibility for that?

152 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Topical question AQT 2581/22-27.

Assessment

Not analysed

This is the same MLA’s follow-up within the exchange on their own question. It is analysed together with that question and is not counted separately, so one question is never counted twice.

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