Tackle cost of division to prevent cuts in vital services

Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA has called for the cost of segregation in Northern Ireland to be tackled to help safeguard vital frontline services during this difficult time in relation to our public finances.

Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “Tough times are approaching in terms of public finances and we need to be radical to protect vital services.

“The public want to see politicians being innovative to help ensure we can safeguard essential services and I believe we need to address the cost of division in our society to do so.

“Segregation costs Northern Ireland £1 billion annually. That means it costs every household here around £1,000 each year. We need to stop duplicating services to save this cash and start making more efficient use of our resources. It would be a disgrace not to tackle this issue.

“I believe action on this is needed as a matter of urgency as it will not only allow us to direct money where it’s needed most but also help us to improve community relations by increasing integration and the sharing of services.”

ENDS

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