Debate contribution: Public-sector Pay Rise

Debate contribution by Mr Matthew O'Toole on 12 October 2026.

MLA: Mr Matthew O'Toole
Party at the time: Social Democratic and Labour Party
Date: 12 October 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Public-sector Pay Rise
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5786170

Text

With the greatest respect, Mr Speaker, that is not good enough. Working for legal contingencies when the British Government could, at any minute, step in — a British Government who, we all agree, do not prioritise this place — and impose a Budget on this place, preventing pay rises, is a completely unacceptable position. I am aware, because someone raised the matter at a town hall meeting with me last week, of an FE college lecturer who has been laid off. People are losing their jobs in the absence of an Executive Budget. Meanwhile, all Members here are guaranteed a pay rise. That is not an acceptable position. I therefore repeat the question, Minister: when will there be a Budget, and when will public-sector workers be guaranteed the pay rise that they have earned?

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

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Topical question AQT 2681/22-27.

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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