South and East Belfast Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Sinn Féin commitment to Equality reflected in the Budget, PfG and Investment Strategy

Published: 25 October, 2007

South Belfast Alex Maskey MLA speaking about the draft Budget, Programme for Government (PfG) and Investment Strategy has said that they reflect Sinn Féin's commitment to equality and eradicating poverty.

"Today local politicians are setting out the draft budget, Programme for Government and Investment Strategy. There is a clear priority on tackling poverty - in recognising the need to tackle existing patterns of poverty; and discrimination.

"The principle of equality is central to these documents - in a way not seen before. This is a significant advance.

"I am pleased with the explicit commitment that economic growth and Public Procurement - the buying power of the departments - will now be used to address inequality and tackle poverty.

"There is also a commitment to tackle regional disparity and poverty and sustainable development.

"These are draft documents and Sinn Fein will seek to bring forward improvements where necessary.

"Our priority will be to ensure that front line services are protected; that resources are allocated on the basis of equality; that poverty and disadvantage is tackled and that we impact directly on the lives of people, especially the most vulnerable and those most in need."