Programme for Government contains a ‘shocking’ lack of targets – McNulty

A statement from the Newry & Armagh MLA said that after seven months of an operational Executive, which came after more than 18 months of advance meetings between Executive parties and civil servants, the 85 page document published contains barely any new policy interventions – and virtually no clear, binding targets to allow the public to judge the Executive on their delivery.

Mr McNulty said that among the most glaring omissions from the PfG include the lack of any clear target for reducing waiting times or waiting lists, cutting backlogs in Special Educational Needs provision, action to address poverty or clear interventions to rescue the deteriorating situation at Lough Neagh.

He added that both the First and deputy First Minister had failed to point to any specific and measurable targets in the Programme for Government when pressed by the Opposition in the Assembly chamber, repeatedly pointing to the consultation period for the document – but without promising that more specific targets would be included in the final document.

His statement continued that it is also notable that even previously agreed policies such as the delivery of Casement Park or the appointment of language commissioners are either only vaguely referred to or not mentioned at all.

SDLP Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said: “Having scoured the draft Programme for Government, I simply can’t find any clear, measurable targets that the Executive is setting itself. The document even includes charts explaining how extraordinary and out-of-control our health waiting lists have become – but no clear targets on reducing them.

“The public have waited years for a clear plan, and after today they still don’t have one. The Executive cannot expect a pat on the back for simply producing a document full of aspirational language – much of it waffle - but without clear delivery plans, legislation or targets.

“The SDLP Opposition today outlined our own Plan for Change that included meaningful targets and positive ideas to deliver for families. That’s the least we should expect from the Executive given the huge resources at their disposal. What we have instead is a rehash of existing strategies and a promise of further action devoid of specific interventions or detail. It is deeply disappointing that the Executive cannot deliver for the people of the North, who have waited too long for clear leadership.”