Anna Lo MLA said: “The next few years will undoubtedly be very difficult but we must be innovative and brave in our decision-making to deliver the best for Northern Ireland. This report is worrying but it shows how important it is that we maximise efficiency in our public services.
“To make the most of our public finances we need to end division. Segregation costs our society £1bn annually and we must start addressing these potential savings to help us protect vital services in the public and voluntary sectors.
“Division places a massive burden on our society and only Alliance makes tackling this problem our top priority.
“Ending segregation and duplication in our public services would not only help save precious public money but also help bring our society together and improve community relations.”
ENDS