Criticism for Stormont's response to the energy crisis

Stormont's response to the energy crisis has been criticised by Emmet Doyle (Aontú's Ballyarnett representative).

Mr Doyle's comments came following the announcement the Communities Minister was seeking a £100 household payment for those using home heating oil.

"It might not be in place for months, even if it is approved," said Mr Doyle.

"Stormont never disappoints when it comes to demonstrating how disconnected it is from ordinary people.  Weeks after the energy crisis hit households, the best the Executive could muster was a begging letter to London seeking yet more money. Today, the Communities Minister announced that he is asking the Executive to support him financially in securing a one-off £100 payment to households that use heating oil, but even if it is approved, it will not be available for months," added Mr Doyle.

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"This is coming from an institution that took less than 200 days to give itself a massive 27% pay rise - there won't be any MLAs struggling to heat their homes in the last or the coming weeks and months. 

"Stormont seems to have plenty of available cash for pet projects and waste, but when it comes to actually supporting those whom they are supposed to serve, all they can do is dither and write letters.  It is an absolute disgrace that they could have worked together weeks ago to come up with a meaningful solution and took the easy way out, again."