The NI Assembly's first ever Budget has been formally announced.

After months of debate – not all of it positive – following the draft budget's publication last year, Finance Minister Peter Robinson has now delivered the final version.

As expected, more than £200m has been allocated to build well over 5,000 affordable homes in Northern Ireland.

The money will meet housing targets over the next three years and will see 1,500 new units in year one, following by around 1,750 in year two and a further 2,000 units in year three.


The fiercely debated funding for health has also been given a minor boost with Health Minister Michael McGimpsey given 'more flexibility' over his budget, including extra money for mental health provision.

Mr McGimpsey's budget share means he can keep efficiency savings and is guaranteed £20m a year from unspent Executive funds, money that becomes available in each spending year. This would total £60m over three years.

He has also received £30m for mental health, plus £14m for the fire service, which has been lobbying hard for urgently needed extra cash to renew ageing facilities.

Some £40m will go to the Department of Employment and Learning, with £50m on innovation across other departments.

The cash for the Department of Employment and Learning will partly fund extra PhD students, as well as other research.

(BMcC)