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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.