Budget (No. 2) Bill: Second Stage

Part of Executive Committee Business – in the Northern Ireland Assembly am 4:15 pm ar 2 Gorffennaf 2024.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Doug Beattie Doug Beattie UUP 4:15, 2 Gorffennaf 2024

I will, if you can give me just a moment.

It is certainly below need for the Department of Health, which needs about a 6% increase each year just to stand still, and it is certainly not getting that. The Budget will create catastrophic cuts for the health service, and the Executive were told that it would before they took a vote on 25 April. They were told not by the Health Minister but by the health providers that it would cause catastrophic cuts to healthcare. The Executive either knew that and ignored it or knew it and did not care, but, after less than two hours of debate on 25 April, they voted in favour of a below-needs Budget. I am happy to give way.