The Northern Ireland Executive has achieved “significant” progress in its first year in operation but there is “much more to do” to improve public services.
That was the joint verdict of First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly as they were asked about its track record to date.
O’Neill told News NI the four-party coalition is doing its best and must put its “shoulder to the wheel”.
Little-Pengelly said the shortened term was always going to be a “challenge” and big issues like health waiting lists would never be eradicated in the 12-month period.
“But we’ve made a really strong start,” she added.
Devolved government was restored at Stormont exactly 12 months ago after a two-year gap due to a stand-off over post-Brexit trade rules.
Little-Pengelly said prioritisation was key and that was evident in the draft programme for government focusing on the issues that matter most to people.
O’Neill said they had made “huge strides forward” including securing nearly £500m in extra funding for public services and settling public sector pay disputes.
She added that the situation in health was not acceptable but does not believe the executive had ‘”left it all” to the health minister.
“We need to see significant progress in this area, we know this is an area that will require significant investment and that’s why it has got over half of the budget” she added.
O’Neill said the challenges in the health system have been here a long time and described the situation as “trying to turn a tanker”.
Little-Pengelly said the executive needed a plan for the health department.
“It is the case we can’t continue to spend as we doing, if we are prioritising health, we need that plan from health.”
