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The Committee for Finance and Personnel has yesterday launched its report on the Northern Ireland Executive’s proposed budget for 2015-16. The report, which the Committee co-ordinates on behalf of all the Assembly scrutiny committees, identifies specific actions that the Executive could take when implementing the 2015-16 budget.

Deputy Chairperson of the Committee, Dominic Bradley MLA said: “The budget for 2015-16 will present many challenges to the Executive. Our report sets out a number of actions that would enable the Executive to demonstrate that the monies available will be spent both efficiently and effectively.

“First of all the Committee proposes that there should be an external ‘panel of experts’ set up to provide independent advice to the Executive on all Departmental savings plans. A panel of this type will provide assurance to the public that spending maximises savings while protecting priority frontline services.

“The Committee also agreed that it will be crucial for the Executive to have a greater focus on implementing a strategy for reducing administrative costs and clearly explain the rationale for Department spending plans. There should also be an annual budget review mechanism to ensure that the Executive’s spending plans and priorities are providing the services required by local people.

The Deputy Chairperson concluded: “There is no doubt that we are in a difficult financial climate. It is vital that our Executive and Departments work together, and use a joined up, transparent and cross departmental planning process to ensure that we make the best use of the monies available.”

Notes to Editors:

The Report, entitled ‘Report on the Executive’s Draft Budget 2015-16’, is available on the Assembly’swebsite.

Committee membership is as follows:

Mr Daithí McKay MLA (Chairperson)
Mr Dominic Bradley MLA (Deputy Chairperson)
Ms Michaela Boyle MLA 
Mrs Judith Cochrane MLA
Mr Leslie Cree MBE, MLA
Mr Paul Girvan MLA
Mr John McCallister MLA
Mr Ian McCrea MLA
Mr Adrian McQuillan MLA
Mr Máirtín Ó Muilleoir MLA
Mr Peter Weir MLA

For any media enquiries, please contact:

The Communications Office
Northern Ireland Assembly
Tel: 028 90 521137
Email: info@niassembly.gov.uk