To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of the implications of the Proposed Draft Budget 2026-29/30 for her Department.

I welcome the launch of the Draft Budget 2026-2029/30 consultation which will help inform the Executive’s consideration and decisions on a Final Budget 2026-29/30.

I fully recognise the constrained financial position and the challenges faced with increasing demand and costs to deliver vital public services and on our Programme for Government priorities.

The proposed allocations for my Department would go some way towards addressing the level of investment required for our infrastructure and for maintaining service delivery.

However, difficult decisions would be required in prioritising services and capital schemes for delivery, which I would aim to do alongside seeking to drive further efficiencies and innovation within my Department.

The reality is that the funding package that the Executive receives from London continues to fall well short of what is required, to run and recover, our public services after over a decade of austerity from British Governments.

I look forward to consideration of the responses to the Draft Budget consultation and working with Executive colleagues to agree a Final Budget 2026-29/30.