Northern Ireland Finance Minister John O'Dowd held two meetings last week with Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn to discuss budget needs.

The Stormont Executive allocated £19.2 million last week to supplement £17 million from the UK Government. This funds a scheme providing £100 payments toward heating oil bills for up to 340,000 lower-income households.

O'Dowd stated the additional allocation draws directly from the Executive's budget. He presented two papers to the Executive on the budget for the next three years. Executive colleagues indicated the current budget limits service delivery and economic support.

O'Dowd said the Executive presents a united position on budget requirements. Officials joined his engagements with the British Government this week.

He expressed satisfaction that the British Government is listening and called for swift provision of funds to enable Executive functions. Discussions focus on securing resources for public services, economic support, and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

O'Dowd noted the Executive prioritised aid for low-income families despite pressures.