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Northern Ireland talks: Real money on table says Robinson | Northern Ireland talks: Real money on table says Robinson |
(about 1 hour later) | |
First Minister Peter Robinson has said he believes that there is "real money on the table" from Westminster as cross-party talks continue at Stormont. | First Minister Peter Robinson has said he believes that there is "real money on the table" from Westminster as cross-party talks continue at Stormont. |
"There is a real chance to do the job, it does require all of us to apply ourselves and all of us to stretch ourselves," he said. | "There is a real chance to do the job, it does require all of us to apply ourselves and all of us to stretch ourselves," he said. |
Sinn Féin's Conor Murphy said progress had been made but the "devil was in the detail". | Sinn Féin's Conor Murphy said progress had been made but the "devil was in the detail". |
Earlier, the Northern Ireland Secretary said a deal was "still possible". | Earlier, the Northern Ireland Secretary said a deal was "still possible". |
Negotiations on flags, parades, the legacy of the Troubles and welfare have entered a final day after 11 weeks of talks. | Negotiations on flags, parades, the legacy of the Troubles and welfare have entered a final day after 11 weeks of talks. |
The parties are considering Downing Street's response to their request for additional funds. | The parties are considering Downing Street's response to their request for additional funds. |
Northern Ireland's five executive parties have asked for about £2bn in loans and cash over a 10-year period. | Northern Ireland's five executive parties have asked for about £2bn in loans and cash over a 10-year period. |
Sinn Féin sources have said a provisional agreement on welfare involves a "supplementary fund" paid for by Stormont which would act as a local "top-up" system for benefits. | |
It would mean if someone lost out as a result of UK changes, whether they involve Disability Living Allowance or the £26,000 benefits cap, they can apply for a top-up from the Stormont fund. | |
Sinn Féin rejected claims the party had "caved in" over welfare reform, arguing that they have successfully negotiated protections for the most vulnerable. | |
The sources estimate the amount Stormont will provide for the supplementary fund as £125m over six years. | |
The introduction of the fund remains dependent on a resolution of the other issues in the talks, such as the UK's latest financial offer, new agencies to tackle the legacy of the troubles and parading. | |
'Marathon runner' | |
Speaking at lunch-time on Monday, Mr Robinson said he felt "like a marathon runner who, at the end of 20 odd miles, has the stadium in sight". | Speaking at lunch-time on Monday, Mr Robinson said he felt "like a marathon runner who, at the end of 20 odd miles, has the stadium in sight". |
"I consider some progress has been made. It is down to the wire. There is a short period of time left to us to reach conclusions. But we are determined as this is in the benefit of Northern Ireland," he said. | "I consider some progress has been made. It is down to the wire. There is a short period of time left to us to reach conclusions. But we are determined as this is in the benefit of Northern Ireland," he said. |
"There is some real money in the present proposal. The offer is an improved offer, but we do need clarification." | "There is some real money in the present proposal. The offer is an improved offer, but we do need clarification." |
Mr Murphy, Sinn Féin, said progress had been made and that the party had been in contact with David Cameron over the weekend. | Mr Murphy, Sinn Féin, said progress had been made and that the party had been in contact with David Cameron over the weekend. |
He and party colleague Martin McGuinness received the latest paper at noon, he said, and they would examine it closely. | He and party colleague Martin McGuinness received the latest paper at noon, he said, and they would examine it closely. |
"There are gaps to be closed, there is a sense between the parties and governments that that work needs to be done today," he said. | "There are gaps to be closed, there is a sense between the parties and governments that that work needs to be done today," he said. |
"The five parties are determined to secure the best financial package available." | "The five parties are determined to secure the best financial package available." |
Earlier on Monday, Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers said the government's response was "positive and generous", but also reflected the UK's "extremely difficult fiscal situation". | Earlier on Monday, Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers said the government's response was "positive and generous", but also reflected the UK's "extremely difficult fiscal situation". |
She said Downing Street's financial offer also "had to be fair to all parts of the United Kingdom". | She said Downing Street's financial offer also "had to be fair to all parts of the United Kingdom". |
The talks are expected to end on Monday, with or without a deal. | The talks are expected to end on Monday, with or without a deal. |