Consideration Stage

Part of Executive Committee Business – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 4:45 pm on 20 January 2009.

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Photo of John O'Dowd John O'Dowd Sinn Féin 4:45, 20 January 2009

To clarify that issue for the Member, and to ensure that there is no doubt in her mind, no concessions were bought from Sinn Féin at St Andrews or at any other negotiations. Furthermore, Sinn Féin did not agree to any relegation of ministerial power at those negotiations, or through this Bill. The Bill is about ensuring that, when they arise, emergencies can be tackled.

Mrs Kelly also pointed out that some Members stated that winter comes around every year, and she is quite correct in making that point. That being the case, why did the Minister for Social Development not allocate sufficient funds from her budget to cover the emergencies that arise every winter?