The Northern Executive has finally agreed a draft programme for government seven months after Stormont’s restoration.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill described the moment as a “milestone” that marked a “really important step in terms of our journey as a four party Executive”.
Nine priority areas for the next 2½ years – the remainder of the devolved administration’s term – were signed off by ministers after they met at Stormont Castle on Thursday.
However, the detailed blueprint will not be unveiled until Monday when it goes before the Assembly. It must then go out to public consultation.
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The Executive has faced criticism over its failure to agree a programme during a period of severe pressures on public services, in particular the health service with the North’s hospital waiting lists consistently the worst in the NHS.
Asked at a press conference why it took so long to get to this point, Ms O’Neill said the task was “complex”.
“We all equally recognise that since we have a new government in London, that Labour are continuing with a policy of austerity which makes it a very challenging environment for us all to operate,” she added.
“We’ve identified our immediate priorities. We’ve also laid the groundwork to do more things tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after, so it’s very much about immediate priorities and then also what we can do tomorrow around health, education, justice, safer communities.”
A delayed strategy tackling violence against women and girls was among those agreed, which Ms O’Neill said must become operational given “recent events over the summer with three more women losing their lives”.
Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, justice minister, Naomi Long, and health minister, Mike Nesbitt, also attended the press conference and defended the Executive’s performance.
Ms Pengelly said that “despite the difficult budget we can still improve lives in a meaningful way by focusing on a small number of prioritised action that will make a difference”.
She outlined the priorities for the Stormont government, which include a focus on growing a globally competitive and sustainable economy, delivering affordable childcare, cutting NHS waiting lists, ending violence against women and girls and better support for children and young people with special educational needs.
Also included is the need to provide more social, affordable and sustainable housing, safer communities and greater protection of Lough Neagh and the environment.
A further priority is reform and transformation of public services.
Leader of the Stormont Opposition, SDLP MLA Matthew O’Toole, was dismissive of the announcement and said the public was “still none the wiser” as to what the draft programme for government actually contained.
He called for “more delivery” and “less waffle”.
“Once again, the Executive has proved adept at PR but deficient at clarity or delivery,” he said.
“Today’s announcement contained no specific targets or actions but rather a press conference in which Executive parties patted one another on the back for agreeing on broad aspirations.
“The public might have expected more clarity not just on vague aspiration but what exactly the Executive intends to do, how and when. What is the target for reducing waiting lists? How will that target be achieved? And when can patients expect to see meaningful improvements in the failing health service.”
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