'Revelations' Department for the Economy has £81 million in its coffers 'disgraceful' - Aontú
'Money could be used to help people with energy costs, instead it remains unspent' - Emmet Doyle
"Revelations" the Department for the Economy has £81 million in its coffers have been branded "disgraceful" by Aontú Ballyarnett representative Emmet Doyle.
"That money could be used to help people with energy costs, instead it remains unspent," said Mr Doyle.
"At this week's Economy Committee, the Permanent Secretary of the Deptment of the Economy was asked about £81m allocated by the Treasury arising from the Renewables Obligation to the Executive that was to be used to help people with electricity costs - though it can be used for any purpose," he added.
"The Permanent Secretary clearly did not know the money was allocated. The Minister did not know - despite a letter from her colleague in the Department of Finance saying in so in writing with the money available from April 1, 2026.
"People are struggling right across this city, particularly those who rely on home heating oil with huge price rises and Stormont can’t even track money they are being given to help people, instead MLAs have already sought to blame others despite being allocated money to help.
"Sinn Fein in particular has demanded in Dublin, a package to help people, yet their Ministries in Belfast don’t seem to know what they can do to help. Their standard response has been to blame London, which in this case, is disgraceful.
"hatThis is yet another example of complete dysfunction that will impact ordinary people that I am hearing from every day. MLA’s and Departments seriously need to get their act together.”