The Stormont Executive remains unable to set a budget for the current financial year, Finance Minister John O'Dowd has said after a virtual meeting with Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant on Friday.

Mr O'Dowd told reporters in Lurgan that despite tensions around the Executive table, ministers are focused on speaking as one to secure a better funding settlement.

He said the Executive does not have the quantum of funding or the terms and conditions necessary to reach agreement, and that public services and public sector pay cannot be protected without additional support from Westminster.

The UK Government has offered a financial package worth about £1.5 billion over three years, with £525 million available this year, but Sir Chris Bryant has said there is no more money available and accused ministers of being financially irresponsible.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said the Executive cannot legally reach a balanced budget with what is on the table, and she called on the UK Government to come forward with a reasonable and fair funding package.

She said Northern Ireland is now seven months into the financial year without an agreed budget, and public services are facing devastating impact.

Ministers also cited ongoing issues from the Drumcree parade dispute, which has caused fractured relationships within the Executive, but O'Dowd insisted Executive colleagues remain focused on the budget.

Stormont departments have been operating under contingency arrangements allowing spend up to 95% of last year's funding.

A meeting between Executive ministers and the Secretary of State is expected to take place next week.