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MLAs vote to cut NI departments MLAs vote to cut NI departments
(about 7 hours later)
Assembly members have voted for a reduction in the number of Stormont departments.Assembly members have voted for a reduction in the number of Stormont departments.
The DUP motion had proposed cutting the number of departments from 11 to six or seven.The DUP motion had proposed cutting the number of departments from 11 to six or seven.
The party said the move would "reduce duplication and release much-needed cash for frontline services".The party said the move would "reduce duplication and release much-needed cash for frontline services".
The SDLP opposed the motion accusing the DUP of "a power grab," a claim denied by Ian Paisley Jr who said it would mean fewer DUP ministers.The SDLP opposed the motion accusing the DUP of "a power grab," a claim denied by Ian Paisley Jr who said it would mean fewer DUP ministers.
DUP assembly members pointed to a recent decision by the Scottish Executive to slash its departments from nine to six. DUP assembly members pointed to a recent decision by the Scottish Government to slash its departments from nine to six.
The motion, which was supported by the Ulster Unionists and the Alliance Party, was easily passed despite opposition from the SDLP.The motion, which was supported by the Ulster Unionists and the Alliance Party, was easily passed despite opposition from the SDLP.
However, any actual reduction in the number of departments would require cross-community support at the executive.However, any actual reduction in the number of departments would require cross-community support at the executive.
Sinn Fein members, who abstained during voting, said such a move was "premature before a review was completed".Sinn Fein members, who abstained during voting, said such a move was "premature before a review was completed".