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Is there a more ethical way to cut the budget cake?

The Stormont Executive has set its budget and most departments were left wanting more. What are the ethical responsibilities when it comes to the allocation of public money?

A budget has been agreed by ministers at Stormont, 14.5 billion pounds for day to day spending, 1.8 billion for capital spending.
The Department of Health will get the biggest slice, 7.7 billion pounds. Education is next at Β£2.87 billion and Justice at Β£1.26 billion.
The health minister Robin Swann said Β£7.7billion is not enough and will cause serious and potentially irreparable damage to health services here but if health were to get more, where would it come from, what other areas would have to be cut?
Ministers called on the UK Government to increase funding to Stormont but did not spell out any areas where they, themselves, would raise additional revenue locally.
How ethical is this type of government-with politicians being unable or unwilling to implement other ways to raise money, having to decide what services to fund and which ones to cut.

1 hour, 22 minutes

Last on

Sun 28 Apr 2024 08:30

Broadcast

  • Sun 28 Apr 2024 08:30