Regardless of the outcome of ongoing events in London, public services in Northern Ireland must be properly funded - O’Dowd

Finance Minister, John O'Dowd has said the British Government's focus must be on properly funding public services.

Minister O'Dowd said: “People here want to see public services properly funded, with families able to access the support they need, and the investment required to grow our economy.

“Regardless of the outcome of ongoing events in London, the British Government must face up to its responsibilities and properly fund the Executive.

“For too long, public services have been forced to operate within budgets that do not meet need. Health, education, infrastructure, justice and community services are all under significant pressure, and that pressure is felt directly by workers, families and businesses.

“The Executive needs sustainable, long-term funding that allows us to plan, invest and deliver. We need the fiscal flexibility to support public services, strengthen the economy and protect those most impacted by years of underinvestment.

“Public services must be properly funded to deliver for workers, families, communities and businesses.”