Foyle MLA welcomes Magee Medical School funding while calling for greater regional balance

SDLP Economy Spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin has said that any multi-year Budget must be explicitly linked to the commitments set out in the Programme for Government if it is to deliver real change for people and communities.

Ms McLaughlin was speaking following the publication of the Finance Minister’s draft multi-year Budget, which has yet to secure Executive agreement.

The Foyle MLA said: “The SDLP has consistently argued that Northern Ireland needs a properly planned, ambitious multi-year Budget. Annual crisis budgeting has failed our public services and left departments unable to plan or reform.”

“But a multi-year Budget only works if it is clearly and transparently linked to the Programme for Government. Without that link, there is no shared direction, no accountability and no guarantee that Executive commitments will actually be delivered.”

“I welcome the earmarking of funding for the Magee Medical School. This would be a vital investment for Derry, the North West and our health system, and it is important that this funding is realised. Investment in skills is also welcome. If we are serious about growing the economy and giving people access to good, secure jobs, then sustained funding for skills and training is essential.”

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“Any credible multi-year Budget must also place a clear focus on regional balance. Communities outside the Belfast Metropolitan Area have been left behind for far too long, and a multi-year Budget must actively work to correct that.”

“This draft Budget has not been agreed by the Executive, and that undermines its credibility. Without Executive agreement, it cannot provide certainty for departments or confidence for the public.”

“If this is to be the first multi-year Budget in over a decade, it must be agreed, strategic and clearly aligned to the Programme for Government. At present, that standard has not been met.”