Intervenes to suggest that it is time to look at the whole budget for Northern Ireland due to population increase and demographic changes, implying that more funding should be allocated based on current needs.

Thanks the Secretary of State for considering public finances based on need, referencing the Holtham Commission process and suggesting it would not take as long to reach a new agreement.

Reiterates his commitment to ensuring solid foundations for restored devolved government, emphasising the need for stability and safeguarding Northern Ireland's ability to trade within the UK.

Acknowledges the difficulties faced by the Secretary of State but questions whether per-pupil spending in education will be balanced compared to other regions, highlighting concerns about funding pressures.

Considers a disconnect between civil service guidance and expectations regarding budget balancing, noting that overspending in non-statutory areas creates further challenges for future years.

Confirms continued provision of additional funding to the Police Service of Northern Ireland to address lethal terrorist threats, emphasising ongoing security concerns.

Mr Kyle acknowledged the difficult circumstances facing Northern Ireland Departments due to lack of a functioning Assembly, highlighting that the budget will give some certainty but does not create new money. He expressed concern over the secrecy around the Windsor framework negotiations and called for more transparency from the Government on steps towards restoring Stormont. Mr Kyle also pointed out significant challenges in delivering public services, especially in education, with the Department of Education facing a £382 million funding gap equivalent to 14.8% of its budget allocation. He emphasised that such decisions should be made by Ministers rather than permanent secretaries and urged for urgent measures to restore Stormont.

Expressed caution about applying the Barnett formula to Northern Ireland and emphasised the importance of good governance and the role of democratically elected representatives. He questioned how Stormont's actions uphold good governance and suggested that a relationship based on identity and covenant, rather than transactional contract, is crucial for fixing issues in Northern Ireland.

Intervened to question Robin Millar's argument about Stormont's legitimacy by comparing it to Sinn Féin's actions, implying that undermining consensus is not acceptable.

Responded to Colum Eastwood's intervention by arguing that when rules are followed and people play by them, it is better to fix problems rather than criticise without solutions.

Mr Thomson argued that the budget process was failing to meet current political priorities. He cited concerns raised by trade unions, construction groups, charities, and universities about the impact of cuts on public safety, education, and vulnerable children. The £32 million additional resource from UK Government for policing in Northern Ireland is insufficient compared to the overall budget gap facing PSNI. Mr Thomson questioned the Secretary of State's compliance with section 75 duties under the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Sammy Wilson argued against the current budget allocation, stating that it does not adequately address the specific needs of Northern Ireland. He highlighted significant reductions in education spending compared to England and cuts affecting children with special educational needs. Additionally, he pointed out a shortfall in funding for police numbers and the failure to meet commitments made under New Decade, New Approach. Wilson emphasised the importance of reflecting the views of both communities in Northern Ireland's Executive and stressed that the budget lacks necessary funds despite agreed-upon need-based allocation mechanisms.

Claire Hanna intervened, commenting on broken promises regarding debates. She emphasised the importance of addressing budget inadequacies in Northern Ireland.

Chris Heaton-Harris questioned whether an Executive functioning and an Assembly scrutinizing would better serve the choices outlined by Wilson, particularly concerning police numbers.

Robin Millar inquired about more effective spending of money to achieve better outcomes, using Wales as an example. He highlighted the importance of not just focusing on budget quantity but also quality and effectiveness.

Hanna intervened again, acknowledging that the Bengoa report outlined reforms necessary for sustainable delivery but noted these could only be achieved with a restored Executive.

Eastwood criticises the budgetary difficulties in Northern Ireland's public sector, arguing that it is a callous tactic to pressure the DUP but instead harms vulnerable people. He mentions funding cuts affecting community projects like the Ryan McBride Foundation and the Foyle Cup football event. Eastwood also highlights issues such as reduced university places, Invest NI budget constraints, and problems within the Education Department including holiday hunger payments cut for vulnerable children. Additionally, he addresses concerns about the PSNI's budget shortfall, difficulties in implementing domestic abuse legislation, and health service waiting lists due to lack of funding. He suggests that Northern Ireland could benefit from increased investment by the Irish Government.

Ms Hillier raised concerns about the financial impact of reducing the NIAO's funding by £515,000. She emphasised that the reduction will severely limit the NIAO’s ability to deliver proper scrutiny and oversight, which is crucial in the absence of a functioning Assembly and Executive in Northern Ireland.

Robinson criticised the lack of pre-legislative scrutiny and consultation on the Bill. He highlighted that the allocation to Northern Ireland's budget has not been section 75 screened, which is affecting public sector functions such as education, elderly care, and healthcare. Robinson emphasised that there was no equalities screening due to rushing the process, despite permanent secretaries highlighting difficulties in fulfilling statutory functions. He cited a letter from the Children’s Law Centre detailing deficiencies in the Bill's implementation. Additionally, he mentioned ongoing issues with financial disparity between Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK, citing figures showing disparities in public spending increases.

Stephen Farry argues for the urgent restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly, citing widespread frustration among stakeholders who demand a functioning government. He criticises the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) for its boycott of the Assembly, suggesting it is risking long-term damage to the social fabric and economy of Northern Ireland by refusing to participate in governance. Farry highlights the significant budget crisis facing Northern Ireland and argues that the current cuts are counterproductive and unsustainable, advocating instead for investment and reform. He points out that Northern Ireland is falling behind on various key indicators such as health service quality, education attainment, productivity, and life expectancy compared to the Republic of Ireland. Furthermore, he discusses the mismatch between statutory responsibilities and civil service guidance under the 2022 Act, which disproportionately targets non-statutory areas like early intervention and prevention services.

The speaker criticises the lack of urgency from the UK government in resolving issues related to the Northern Ireland protocol and argues for a needs-based financial allocation model similar to Wales. She expresses concern over economic harm caused by the protocol, highlighting its impact on businesses and industries in Northern Ireland. Carla Lockhart calls for a review of the Barnett formula to address the financial needs of Northern Ireland more effectively. She also raises specific concerns about the policing budget, emphasising the need for additional funding to support officer numbers as agreed in New Decade, New Approach.

Intervenes to contest the phrase “enjoying a needs-based allocation” and expresses concern that attaching a purely needs-based assessment could lead to a 'Top Trumps of deprivation' spiral, where the most deprived get the biggest sum.

Intervenes to argue that a purely needs-based financial allocation would provide resources to start addressing underlying issues such as unemployment and skill shortages, potentially breaking vicious circles and providing the means to deal with problems effectively.

Ms Claire Hanna argues against austerity politics and boycott tactics, highlighting their negative impact on public services and economic development. She points out that the budget is economically disastrous due to Brexit and previous Government's Budget decisions. She also criticises the DUP for refusing to participate in government and undermining devolution. Furthermore, she emphasises cuts in education, health, infrastructure, arts, tourism, further and higher education, which harm long-term growth strategies such as 10X. Finally, she raises concerns about human rights impacts on children due to budget cuts.

Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson interjected twice during Ms Hanna's speech, defending the DUP's stance and highlighting historical examples where nationalist parties have also boycotted political processes.

Mr Jim Shannon argues against the current underfunding of Northern Ireland by the UK Government, stating that it undermines the effectiveness and fairness of the Windsor agreement and the Stormont brake. He cites specific examples from his constituency such as delayed healthcare treatments for elderly patients and financial constraints affecting educational support for children with special needs. Additionally, he highlights the impact on community groups and paramilitary activities in Northern Ireland due to budget cuts. Shannon emphasises that Wales received a fairer allocation through the Holtham formula, which should apply equally to Northern Ireland. He also mentions the potential benefits of additional funding (£322 million) for various public services including education, road resurfacing, fishing fleet upgrades, and community policing.

Thanked Members for their contributions, highlighted the need for longer-term planning in Northern Ireland due to structural problems without an Executive. Emphasised the health service’s worst waiting lists in the UK, citing former Health Minister Robin Swann's testimony on the impact of power sharing collapse between 2017 and 2020 on healthcare. Critiqued the reduction in Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers and its impact on public safety. Urged all parties to restore Stormont and renew public services, particularly around education and other impacted areas. Welcomed Public Accounts Committee Chair's contribution regarding scrutiny issues and questioned the Secretary of State about revenue-raising measures and their implementation.

Acknowledges Minister's vision but suggests that restored Executive will need partnership with UK Government to ensure reforms can be taken forward.

Argues that the spending envelope is a tactic by the Secretary of State, not a genuine effort to support Northern Ireland.

Asks for indicative assessments under section 75 procedure to be made public to foster political debate on budget choices.

Expresses concern over UK Government's handling of internal market and customs arrangements within the UK, questioning their authority over these matters.

Expresses concern about a disproportionately large cut to a small budget affecting the work of the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland.