Debate contribution: Public Services Reform and Transformation
Debate contribution by Mrs Emma Little-Pengelly on .
- MLA
- Mrs Emma Little-Pengelly
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 11 May 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Public Services Reform and Transformation
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5523734
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Absolutely, in an ideal world, we would increase funding. However, this is the challenge that we have always faced and will continue to face. Bringing about transformation requires investment. However, keeping front-line services going requires funding. At a time when we are fiscally constrained, it is exceptionally difficult to do that. I welcome the engagement from the Health Minister. Looking at what has come through from the Department and delivery unit about progress on health waiting lists, I can see that it demonstrates that where you ring-fence funding — the funding for health waiting list transformation was ring-fenced in the previous Budget — you will see real and tangible benefits for people. We have to do both together. I will always fight and argue for more funding for transformation, because that is the only way to reach sustainability. However, I am also very conscious that increasing that pot will require additional help and support from the Treasury. We are working on that, but I am not entirely optimistic that we will get significant amounts above and beyond what we need to keep our public services going in the next 12 months.
191 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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