Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
Jayne McCormack and Brendan Hughes reported on the unveiling of the programme for government by First Minister Michelle O’Neill in the assembly, highlighting its importance as a “significant milestone” for the executive. The plan aims to treat an additional 70,000 patients to reduce hospital waiting lists and construct over 5,000 new social homes by 2027. Entitled “Doing What Matters Most,” the document received unanimous approval from the four parties in the executive in the previous week, reflecting their collective aspirations.
More than a year since the reformation of the Northern Ireland Executive in February 2024, a draft version of the programme was released last September, following an extensive eight-week public consultation that garnered over 1,400 responses. The final document, which spans 100 pages, outlines nine key priorities, including growing a competitive and sustainable economy, delivering affordable childcare, reducing health waiting lists, and safeguarding the environment. Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O’Neill expressed satisfaction with the collaborative effort among the public parties to address the pressing needs of the community.
Despite acknowledging the positive steps taken, Alliance Party deputy leader Eóin Tennyson noted the need for continual progress beyond the limitations of the programme’s scope. Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) deputy leader Robbie Butler emphasized the importance of long-term delivery over short-term aspirations in fulfilling the executive’s commitments. Criticism also arose from Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) assembly member Matthew O’Toole, who deemed the finalised document a “missed opportunity” that falls short of providing a concrete plan for Northern Ireland’s progress, voicing expectations for clearer objectives to meet the public’s needs.
One of the significant areas of focus in the programme is addressing waiting lists in healthcare, with an aim to invest £135m annually by 2027 to treat an additional 70,000 patients and bridge the demand/capacity gap. The document, however, was criticized for its lack of specificity and strategic details to achieve these targets, drawing concerns from experts like Professor Deirdre Heenan from Ulster University. The programme also sets ambitious goals for social housing development, renewable energy capacity, childcare, and support for children with special educational needs, with a commitment to publish annual reports on the progress made towards these objectives
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.