Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Finance – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 2:00 pm on 16 November 2021.
First, I correct the Member: the decision on universal credit was taken by the Executive and not by me. Members, from your party in particular, often credit me with more powers than I have. If you ever have a proposition to give me more powers, I will be very happy to receive it.
The reality is that that decision was taken by the Executive. I am very happy to work with other Ministers, in recognition of the fact that there is a cost-of-living crisis and that increased costs, particularly for energy and food, are very real for very many families. There was to be a dedicated discussion on that to see what all the parties can bring to the table. The Communities Minister has very much been pressing for that discussion. I am very happy to play my part if there is a proposition about that.