Civil Servants entitled to payout

The Ulster Unionist Party has welcomed the news that a settlement has been reached in relation to civil service payouts but have questioned the DUP at the delay.

Commenting on the payout, UUP Finance Spokesperson David McNarry said; "I am delighted for the civil servants who will benefit from this money which they are entitled too, however for them I believe delivery could have come much sooner."

"Many MLA's like myself have been fighting for their constituents caught up in this back pay debacle for a number of years now through three DUP Ministers - Peter Robinson, Nigel Dodds and now Sammy Wilson."

"The downside of this announcement however is that it has come at a time when the department of finance is already facing a black hole of £570 and simply do not have the cash. Although the cost has now been tagged at £150million - other figures have been mentioned - £100million - £200million - or £300 million - and I would like the finance Minister to clarify which is accurate? This could potentially push the black hole very close to half a billion pounds - where Sammy are you getting the money?