Debate contribution: Fuel Costs: Support Scheme

Debate contribution by Mr Mark Durkan on 10 March 2026.

MLA: Mr Mark Durkan
Party at the time: Social Democratic and Labour Party
Date: 10 March 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Fuel Costs: Support Scheme
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5436494

Text

There is a collective Executive responsibility to protect people here, so it is disappointing to hear that disjointedness and dysfunction are to the fore again. It is hard to tell someone who cannot afford oil today, "Don't worry, this war mightn't last, and you might be able to afford it in a couple of months". While I recognise that the issue is an Executive responsibility, the Executive Office is not answering questions on that. The Minister's Department has the experience and the expertise to design and deliver such a scheme, so I urge him not to sit back. While the war may not last, it will not be the last, so it is important that we have schemes and ready reckoners ready to go if and when the Executive agree to provide support.

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

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Topical question AQT 2151/22-27.

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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