Debate contribution: Executive Policy and Spending Priorities
Debate contribution by Ms Michelle O'Neill on .
- MLA
- Ms Michelle O'Neill
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 19 October 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Executive Policy and Spending Priorities
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5795684
Read the official Assembly record
Text
The draft Programme for Government is centred on improving well-being and outcomes for people and communities with a strong emphasis on early intervention and preventative approaches across a range of policy areas. Through the Programme for Government framework, Departments are encouraged to work collaboratively to address the underlying causes of social and economic challenges rather than responding solely to their consequences. As part of the Budget information-gathering process, Departments are asked to identify how their requests for additional resources are linked to PFG priorities. The 'Aligning Spending with Priorities' report published by the Finance Minister provides greater insight into how the PFG is supported through the Executive's Budget. By demonstrating how departmental budgets contribute to agreed outcomes and priorities, the report provides Ministers with better information to inform decisions about the allocation of the resources available to them. The Executive are committed to shifting the focus of public services towards prevention and early intervention, recognising that addressing issues at an earlier stage can improve outcomes for citizens while reducing longer-term pressures on public services.
174 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Assessment
Awaiting analysis
This record has not been analysed yet. It is not counted in any total until it has been assessed.
Disagree with this assessment?
Classifications can be challenged. A person reviews every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.