Jane Hutt visits Northern Ireland to meet Finance Minister Simon Hamilton

9 Jan 2015 12:17 PM

Finance and Government Business Minister Jane Hutt yesterday met Simon Hamilton MLA, the Finance and Personnel Minister, to discuss finance matters of mutual interest to Wales and Northern Ireland.

During the meeting, the Ministers discussed a wide range of issues including the recent Stormont House Agreement, which saw a total increase of almost £2billion in spending power for Northern Ireland.  The Ministers also discussed infrastructure plans, budgetary pressures and the financial outlook.

Yesterday’s meeting followed a visit by Jane Hutt to Scotland in December to hear the Scottish Government plans and proposals for fiscal devolution.

Speaking following the meeting Jane Hutt said:  

“It’s been extremely helpful to visit Northern Ireland today to discuss a range of fiscal matters affecting both our countries following the recent publication of the Smith Commission report.  It is important to hear and learn from the experiences of other countries within the United Kingdom at a time of such constitutional change and budgetary pressure.

“I was especially interested to hear about the successful conclusion of the cross-Party talks, last month, which saw the United Kingdom Government pledge an additional £2billion funding package for Northern Ireland.  This is particularly timely for us in Wales with the strong cross-Party agreement in the Assembly on the future direction of devolution in Wales.  I continue to press the case with the UK Government for fair funding and the delivery of our devolution priorities.”