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Housing and health cash bonanza Housing and health cash bonanza
(9 minutes 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.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."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.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.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.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."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.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".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."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.
Sinn Fein finance spokesman Mitchel McLaughlin said he was pleased that equality impact assessments would be used to determine future funding and policy decisions.
"This approach can have a significant impact on eliminating inequalities and tackling poverty and disadvantage," said the assembly's finance committee chairman.