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NI talks: Deal reached over welfare reform proposals | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
The five main parties at Stormont have agreed proposals to break the deadlock on welfare reform. | |
A paper from the parties has been passed to the government. | |
The BBC understands the parties have signed off on a package that would increase the £70m put aside for welfare flexibility in the recent draft budget. | The BBC understands the parties have signed off on a package that would increase the £70m put aside for welfare flexibility in the recent draft budget. |
The parties are also asking Westminster to increase cash for new agencies to deal with the past and improve its offer on a peace investment fund. | The parties are also asking Westminster to increase cash for new agencies to deal with the past and improve its offer on a peace investment fund. |
The talks, which have been going on for 10 weeks, are aimed at resolving disputes over flags, parades, the legacy of the Troubles and welfare. | The talks, which have been going on for 10 weeks, are aimed at resolving disputes over flags, parades, the legacy of the Troubles and welfare. |
Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers said the talks were at a "crunch point". | |
She would not go into the detail of the deal, but said the government was looking "very seriously" at the paper submitted by the five parties. | |
"There does seem to have been a degree of progress between the parties," she said. | |
"Our response is going to have to take into account the deficit that we inherited and the limited resources we have." | |
Ms Villiers said there were no plans for David Cameron to return to Northern Ireland before Christmas | |
Earlier, Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness said there had been a "step change" in the talks. | Earlier, Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness said there had been a "step change" in the talks. |
The deputy first minister tweeted: "Our team focussed but more to do." | The deputy first minister tweeted: "Our team focussed but more to do." |
Negotiators from the five executive parties have been holding the latest round of talks in Stormont Castle. | Negotiators from the five executive parties have been holding the latest round of talks in Stormont Castle. |
Sinn Féin has refused to implement welfare reform in Northern Ireland and a paper from the party earlier in the week was dismissed as being unrealistic and unaffordable by other political parties. | Sinn Féin has refused to implement welfare reform in Northern Ireland and a paper from the party earlier in the week was dismissed as being unrealistic and unaffordable by other political parties. |