Assembly set to debate NI budget

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7214432.stm

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The assembly is due to debate and vote on Finance Minister Peter Robinson's first budget later on Tuesday.

Mr Robinson published his draft budget last October and a final version was agreed by the executive last week.

However, the SDLP and Alliance Party are expected to vote against the budget, although the DUP, Sinn Fein and Ulster Unionists are set to back it.

On Monday night the assembly voted in favour of the programme for government and investment strategy.

It was passed by 60 votes to 24, with the SDLP and Alliance Party voting against it.

Sources have told the BBC the SDLP is to oppose the budget due to unknowns over water reform; lack of mention of post-primary school reform and the health budget.

They are also thought to be concerned by the lack of a children's fund.

Because of changes to the ministerial code its sole minister Margaret Ritchie has no choice but to vote with her executive colleagues.

However, that is not binding on the Assembly party. The party has no intention of pulling out of the executive, the sources said.

The Alliance Party is also expected to vote against the budget on Tuesday.