Debate contribution: Northern Ireland Fiscal Council Bill: Consideration Stage

Debate contribution by Miss Jemma Dolan on 5 May 2026.

MLA: Miss Jemma Dolan
Party at the time: Sinn Féin
Date: 5 May 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Executive Committee Business
Heading: Northern Ireland Fiscal Council Bill: Consideration Stage
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5524785

Text

After several years of operating and helping to provide scrutiny and transparency in public finances, the legislation will put the Fiscal Council on a statutory footing, bringing it into line with best practice in other jurisdictions, safeguarding its independence and protecting its scrutiny role. I am sure that others in the Chamber will agree that the Fiscal Council has had a positive impact since its formation four years ago, having published over 20 reports ranging from Budget assessments to reports on the sustainability of our public finances and health system. I turn to the amendments. Evidence provided by similar bodies from neighbouring jurisdictions during Committee Stage has been useful in informing us and helping us understand how such institutions can evolve. Amendment Nos 2 and 3 seek to expand the Fiscal Council's remit to include economic and fiscal forecasting. While I recognise the intention behind the amendments, Members should be mindful that our context differs significantly from that of other jurisdictions. For example, the Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC) provides forecasts to support the Scottish Government's Budget process, but that reflects a different set of fiscal powers, particularly on taxation, that we do not currently possess.
No, sorry. Indeed, as the Chair of the Fiscal Council has stated, its current role is more reflective of our financial framework, where most Executive revenue comes from the block grant. While I obviously support the broader principle of enhanced financial powers and acknowledge that such amendments point to a possible future direction, I do not believe that it is necessary or appropriate to legislate for that change at this time.
No, thank you. Amendment Nos 4 and 5 relate to expanding the council's scope to examine issues such as the cost of duplication of services. While the intention behind the amendments is clear, the existing flexibility in the Bill already allows the council to explore such areas where it deems it appropriate without the need for explicit provision. The fundamental purpose of the Bill is to maintain and strengthen the Fiscal Council's independence in assessing the sustainability of our public finances, and the council itself has supported the legislation as achieving that aim. The OECD has also stated that the Bill has been developed in line with principles for independent fiscal institutions. I thank the Minister and the Department for their engagement with the Committee, particularly for bringing forward amendments to the explanatory and financial memorandum for consideration. While I have considered the amendments and understand the rationale behind them, I do not believe that they are necessary. I therefore welcome the Bill as a positive step forward in placing the Fiscal Council on a statutory footing but will not support the amendments.

449 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.

Challenge this classification