Debate contribution: Northern Ireland Water: Concerns

Debate contribution by Ms Liz Kimmins on 22 September 2026.

MLA: Ms Liz Kimmins
Party at the time: Sinn Féin
Date: 22 September 2026
Type: Debate contribution (made as a minister)
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Northern Ireland Water: Concerns
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5739778

Text

The Member has rightly pointed to other incidents that have happened in the past. Ultimately, we are looking at the issue to ensure that it is not significant, if that makes sense. It is to satisfy ourselves that things are being done correctly and that the oversight that is required is taking place. I say that absolutely without prejudice. I urge the Member to take that into consideration as well. The purpose of the audit is so that we can look at that in greater detail based on the concerns that we have at the outset, get those assurances and satisfy me, as Minister, and the Department that things are in order.
I do not underestimate the significant work that all ALBs have to do in managing a budget in a constrained situation. However, it is important that the guidelines are followed and we have complete oversight of how that money is being spent, particularly in a difficult financial situation across the Executive.
I certainly hope that, on the other side of this, we have a positive outcome, but, until such times, I cannot comment on what we could or could not expect. I refer to the Speaker's comments earlier: it is a very hypothetical question. It is important that we let the audit take its course and see what comes out of it.

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

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