Oral Answers to Questions

Deirdre Costigan Excerpts

Wednesday 26th February 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mary Kelly Foy (City of Durham) (Lab)]

3. What recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on improving public services.

[Deirdre Costigan (Ealing Southall) (Lab)]

4. What recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on improving public services.

[Chris Evans (Caerphilly) (Lab/Co-op)]

7. What recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on improving public services.

--- Later in debate ---

[Hilary Benn]

I share the concern that my hon. Friend expresses about the number of vacancies. The single most important thing that the Government have done is allocate for next year a record sum to the Northern Ireland Executive of £18.2 billion, which is an increase of £1.5 billion. The resources are there, and it is for the Northern Ireland Executive to decide how they will use them.

[Deirdre Costigan]

I welcome what the Secretary of State has said about public service reform being a shared challenge. Does he agree with me that it is in the interests of patients, both in Northern Ireland and in England, to share knowledge of what works, and best practice?

[Hilary Benn]

I agree absolutely with my hon. Friend. Indeed, I discussed that with Mike Nesbitt, the Health Minister, when I met him recently. I asked him what support and help we can give him, but we can all learn from each other across the United Kingdom.