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| Version 3 | Version 4 |
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| Housing and health cash bonanza | Housing and health cash bonanza |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| More than £200m has been allocated to build more than 5,000 affordable homes in Northern Ireland. | More than £200m has been allocated to build more than 5,000 affordable homes in Northern Ireland. |
| The announcement was made by Finance Minister Peter Robinson as he delivered his first budget to the assembly. | The announcement was made by Finance Minister Peter Robinson as he delivered his first budget to the assembly. |
| Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has been given more flexibility over his budget, including £10m a year for mental health provision. | Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has been given more flexibility over his budget, including £10m a year for mental health provision. |
| Some £40m will go to the Department of Employment and Learning, with £50m on innovation across other departments. | Some £40m will go to the Department of Employment and Learning, with £50m on innovation across other departments. |
| Mr Robinson said the budget was proof that devolution is working. | |
| "It is almost 40 years since a finance minister elected by the people of Northern Ireland presented a budget in a stable political environment," he said. | |
| He said the average Northern Ireland household would be better off by £1,000 per year. | |
| READ THE BUDGET STATEMENT Budget 2008-11 [89KB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here The final budget came after significant tensions in the executive over funding. | |
| The £200m going to Ms Ritchie's department will meet housing targets over the next three years. | The £200m going to Ms Ritchie's department will meet housing targets over the next three years. |
| This will see 1,500 new units in year one, following by 1,750 in year two and a further 2,000 units in year three. | This will see 1,500 new units in year one, following by 1,750 in year two and a further 2,000 units in year three. |
| Ms Ritchie said she was pleased with the money being allocated for social housing. | |
| "In respect of social and affordable housing, I think this has been a good day for the people of Northern Ireland and a good budget deal for housing," she said. | |
| Mr McGimpsey's budget means he can keep efficiency savings and is guaranteed £20m a year from unspent executive funds, money that becomes available in each spending year. | Mr McGimpsey's budget means he can keep efficiency savings and is guaranteed £20m a year from unspent executive funds, money that becomes available in each spending year. |
| This would total £60m over three years. | This would total £60m over three years. |
| More than £200m was allocated to build affordable homesHe has also received £30m for mental health, plus money £14m for the fire service. | |
| Mr McGimpsey said he had worked hard to achieve "real gains for health in Northern Ireland". | |
| "It is a good budget for health and within that, it is a good budget for mental health and learning disability," he said. | |
| The cash for the Department of Employment and Learning will partly fund extra PhD students, as well as other research. | The cash for the Department of Employment and Learning will partly fund extra PhD students, as well as other research. |