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<p>I sympathise with those who have been adversely affected by severe weather conditions
recently.</p><p> </p><p>The establishment of financial support schemes for damage
caused by severe weather conditions is a devolved matter. As such, it would be a matter
for Northern Ireland departments to consider and I have made no assessment as to the
powers available to them in this regard.</p><p> </p><p>More broadly, the fundamental
issue is and remains the absence of Northern Ireland Ministers to take political decisions.
The broader strategic decisions needed to tackle some of the key challenges facing
Northern Ireland requires political direction to progress. That should be provided
by local politicians through a power-sharing Executive, and that is why it is essential
that we see devolution restored.</p><p> </p>
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