Case for Treasury money cannot be made without tackling segregation - Farry

11.35.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 7th May 2007

North Down Alliance MLA Stephen Farry

North Down Alliance MLA Stephen Farry has warned that any financial package must be based around investing to save otherwise, it could be a huge missed opportunity for Northern Ireland.

Dr Farry stated: "Alliance strongly supports the concept of a financial package for Northern Ireland. It is important to give any devolved administration the chance to deliver. However, it is crucial that any injection of additional funds is linked to a series of reforms.

"There are many inefficiencies within the Northern Ireland economy and public finances. Our public sector is bloated compared to our private sector. There is an already a huge and unhealthy financial dependency upon the British Treasury. Not least, Alliance estimates that one billion pounds that is wasted every year in managing a divided society, which creates

major distortions and prevents expenditure being directed into quality public services for the whole community.

"If this money is simply used to give incoming devolved ministers a quick 'win' through avoiding difficult decisions or is simply applied to the existing patterns of public expenditure, rather than being invested to facilitate serious reform, then it may prove to be a huge missed

opportunity.

"Any financial package must be based on the concept of 'invest to save'. Investment in the right areas can make Northern Ireland more sustainable.

"Alliance has written to the Chancellor directly to emphasise the importance of linking investment to changes in how Northern Ireland does its business and building a shared future."

ENDS