However, in a signal of how far apart the two lead Executive parties remain on the issue, the DUP rejected the draft spending plan as “deeply flawed” and in need of “significant changes”. Mr O’Dowd outlined a three-year budget for day-to-day resource spending and a four-year budget for capital investment in infrastructure projects. Responding to criticism of his draft plan, Mr O’Dowd challenged the other three Executive parties – DUP, Alliance and Ulster Unionists – to present alternatives. I am working on a statutory timeframe.”He added: “I firmly believe that each of the Executive parties want to see a multi-year budget. Education Minister Paul Givan said the budget proposals lacked credibility (PA).

Source: The Herald January 06, 2026 16:56 UTC