The Northern Ireland Executive celebrates its first year in office with a mixed report card. While acknowledging significant progress in areas like funding and public sector pay, the government also admits that challenges, particularly in the health service, persist.
The Northern Ireland Executive has celebrated its first anniversary in operation, marking a year of 'significant' progress but acknowledging that 'much more to do' remains to improve public services . This joint assessment comes from First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly , who reflected on the coalition's achievements and challenges.
O'Neill highlighted the progress made in securing nearly £500 million in additional funding for public services and resolving public sector pay disputes. She emphasized the government's priority in investing in public sector workers and ensuring their pay awards. Acknowledging the persistent health challenges, O'Neill stated that the situation was unacceptable but insisted that the executive had not abandoned responsibility to the health minister. She recognized the long-standing issues within the health system, likening the situation to 'trying to turn a tanker.' Little-Pengelly echoed the need for a concrete plan from the Department of Health to address these issues, stressing that continuing current spending patterns was unsustainable, particularly if prioritizing health. Looking back, O'Neill pointed to the successful response to Storm Arwen, which brought unprecedented power cuts across Northern Ireland. She and Little-Pengelly, she said, led from the front during the storm response, and she expressed satisfaction with the outcome. While acknowledging the progress, O'Neill also recognized the ongoing political tensions, particularly regarding the attendance of IRA commemorations. She responded to Baroness Arlene Foster's call for her prosecution if she attended future IRA commemorations, emphasizing the importance of respecting those who have lost loved ones in the conflict. Despite their political differences, both O'Neill and Little-Pengelly expressed a professional working relationship and a commitment to delivering for the people of Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Executive Michelle O'neill Emma Little-Pengelly Stormont Health Service Public Services IRA Commemorations Arlene Foster
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