| answer text |
<p>There is provision in place for the Permanent Secretary of the Northern Ireland
Department of Finance to allocate cash, under s59 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998,
to maintain public services. That system remains in place as it has done since April.</p><p>
</p><p>In April, I set out in a Written Ministerial Statement an indicative Budget
position, based on advice from the Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS)
in conjunction with the NICS Board. This sought to give clarity to NI Departments
as to the basis for departmental allocations in the absence of an Executive. I continue
to monitor the financial situation, and will reflect on whether any further clarity
is required for Northern Ireland Permanent Secretaries in the allocation of resources.</p><p>
</p>
|
 |
