Recently, the Executive approved the 2024-25 Budget, as announced by Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA. The Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by the government in allocating funding amidst insistent demands. Each department received a fraction of the funding they requested, resulting in tough decisions and prioritisation of the available resources.
This budget demonstrates the government’s strong commitment to the healthcare sector, with over half (51.2%) of the total amount earmarked for day-to-day costs allocated to the Department of Health. This substantial funding includes £34 million to address growing waiting lists. Education, on the other hand, received almost a fifth of the funding, demonstrating the administration’s dedication to the future of the country.
Furthermore, the importance of the Childcare Strategy was acknowledged, evidenced by the £25 million set aside for this particular venture. Among the noteworthy allocations for each department, the Department of Health received £7.76 billion, the Department of Education received £2.87 billion, and the Department of Justice received £1.26 billion.
Regarding capital funding allocations, Minister Archibald revealed that £2.1 billion has been set aside to invest in vital infrastructures such as hospitals, schools, roads, transport networks, and social housing. Notably, £181 million was allocated for flagship projects, including the A6, the Mother and Children’s Hospital, the Belfast Transport Hub, and the Sub-Regional Stadia programme, among others. These meaningful projects aim to stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and improve the quality of life for citizens.
With the budget in place, Minister Archibald emphasized her determination to continue advocating for increased investment in public services. She stressed the need for transformation and reform in public services, necessitating substantial upfront investment. She also reaffirmed her commitment to persuading the British Government to provide the Executive with the necessary funding and resources to ensure the delivery of quality public services that support workers and families.
In conclusion, the approved budget stands as a reflection of the government’s unwavering dedication to the nation’s welfare and development. It is a testament to their ongoing efforts to address the various needs and challenges faced by the society.
For more information about the Public Expenditure – Budget 2024-24, please refer to the Written Ministerial Statement. For media inquiries, please contact the Department of Finance Press Office on Tel: 028 9081 6724 or email [email protected]. To stay updated with news from the Department, follow their social media channels at @dptfinance, @dptfinance, @department_of_finance, and Department of Finance on LinkedIn. For any out-of-hours media inquiries, please contact the duty press officer at 028 9037 8110.
In a series of recent news stories, Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald welcomed the agreement on the 2023 Civil Service pay offer, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting civil service employees. The Civil Service also launched a new “Neurodiversity Line Manager’s Toolkit” as part of Autism Awareness Month, showcasing their efforts to promote inclusivity and support for individuals with neurodevelopmental differences. Moreover, Minister Archibald and Health Minister Robin Swann affirmed their commitment to advancing the Baby Loss Certificate Scheme, acknowledging the significance of supporting individuals and families affected by such loss.