Oral Answers to Questions

Lauren Sullivan Excerpts

Wednesday 23rd October 2024 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Well, I think we will wait then. Let us move on. I call Dr Lauren Sullivan.

[Dr Lauren Sullivan (Gravesham) (Lab)]

Question 4, Mr Speaker. [Laughter.]

[Dr Lauren Sullivan (Gravesham) (Lab)]

4. Whether he has had discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive on the budget sustainability plan.

[Deirdre Costigan (Ealing Southall) (Lab)]

7. Whether he has had discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive on the budget sustainability plan.

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)]

Where were we, Mr Speaker?

I welcome the publication of the Northern Ireland Executive’s budget sustainability plan—a positive and necessary step towards sustainable public finances—and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury has agreed with the Northern Ireland Finance Minister that discussions over a long-term fiscal framework for Northern Ireland can now begin.

[Dr Sullivan]

Does the Secretary of State agree that to ensure sustainable finances the Northern Ireland Executive need to take steps to reform the NHS and public services?

[Hilary Benn]

I share my hon. Friend’s view. As the House will be aware, people in Northern Ireland face the longest waiting lists in the whole United Kingdom, and all Governments, including the Northern Ireland Executive, have to balance the money coming in and the funds that they can raise, and take decisions about public service reform. I am very encouraged by the recent event organised by the Northern Ireland Health Minister, which Dr Bengoa, who produced a report on reform in Northern Ireland, returned to Northern Ireland to attend, because there is now a commitment to take forward that process.