Stormont: Executive agrees to allocate £685m for public sector pay

Stormont leaders have agreed to provide nearly £700m to tackle the issue of public sector pay in Northern Ireland.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly made the announcement after today's first substantive meeting since the return of power-sharing.

Ms O'Neill said: "We've just had a very productive meeting of our Executive.

"We were determined to make some early decisions.

"I am glad we have been able to do that.

So, I'm delighted to say that today the Executive, on the recommendation of the Finance Minister, has decided to allocate over £685 million which will allow conversations now to commence between employers and trade unions in relation to public sector pay."

Ms O'Neill said ministers were at one in continuing to fight for more money from the Treasury.

"I know we are united as an Executive in terms of the challenges that we have ahead of us but also the need to ensure that we have a properly funded public service model," she said.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland's budget watchdog - is warning the more than 3-billion pound package to support the return of Stormont offers "short term support - but raises long term questions".

The NI Fiscal Council published its report while the Executive held its first down-to businesses meeting this morning.

It's warning Stormont is facing another financial 'cliff edge' in 2026...

..and that for sustainable finances - the Executive will need to take "tough decisions" on revenue, spending, and public service reform.

The government wants Stormont ministers to raise 113million pounds in revenue, which politicians say they didn't commit to.