Archibald accused of taking MLAs for ‘fools’ over timing of funding announcement

Stormont’s Finance Minister has been accused of taking MLAs for “fools” after a £300 million funding announcement was made just days before the General Election.

Caoimhe Archibald was again forced to defend the timing of the announcement of the in-year June monitoring round exercise at Stormont earlier this week.

Answering questions on Tuesday, the Sinn Fein minister said it was vital that under-resourced Stormont departments received the funding as quickly as possible.

But SDLP Opposition leader Matthew O’Toole repeated his claim that making the announcement so close to election day risked “jeopardising civil service integrity”.

Executive ministers met on Monday to agree the in-year June monitoring round exercise, at which previously unallocated funds were distributed to departments.

Health, education and social house building were the main beneficiaries of the allocation of £250 million of resource spend and £50 million of capital money.

Some £122 million was allocated to the under-pressure Department of Health.

An outstanding pay settlement for non-teaching educational support workers will be funded from £43.7 million allocated to the Department of Education.

Addressing the issue during ministerial question time in the Assembly, Mr O’Toole said he had been previously told by Ms Archibald that a consultation on revenue-raising measures could not be published due to the pre-election period.

He said: “Why could that not be published but a £300 million monitoring round could be published?”

Ms Archibald said: “I have been very clear that I considered the pre-election guidance in making the decision to proceed with the June monitoring round.

“I did so on the basis that June monitoring is normal and routine business of the Executive and therefore it is appropriate to proceed with it during the pre-election period.

“Given the financial pressures right across our departments, it was vital they had confirmation of the additional funding allocations as soon as possible to give certainty as soon as possible.

“I also think it was important to give certainty to all of those who rely on those services, whether they are healthcare workers, those on waiting lists, our classroom assistants, school bus drivers and all of those parents who may be able to benefit from the childcare.

“Any delays in June monitoring could risk overspend or lead to greater adverse impact than would have been the case had decisions been taken earlier.”

Mr O’Toole responded: “Your position is that four days’ difference would have jeopardised public services, but you also say that a routine report setting out consultation responses without any policy intent could not be published because of the pre-election period.

“But totally normal and routine business to have an exceptional Monday morning Executive meeting, for three podiums to be set out in the Great Hall for you, the First and deputy First Ministers.

“With respect I think you are taking us for fools and I think you and your department have jeopardised civil service integrity and impartiality by pushing yesterday’s monitoring round.”

Ms Archibald said she had set out the position four times for Mr O’Toole.

She added: “The pre-election guidance is clear that each case should be considered on its own merits.”