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Newry and Armagh MLA, Justin McNulty has welcomed confirmation from the Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA that the issue of support for the bus, coach and taxi industry is with local Finance Minister Conor Murphy to agree a funding package.
Mr McNulty explained, ‘For months now the lack of support for the bus, coach and taxi industries has been passed between Ministers Dodds and Murphy. At one stage and even still, some even tried and are trying to deflect responsibility to the Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon whose department is responsible soley for licencing and regulation of the industries. We have seen an appalling game of political football and responsibility dodging by some and I am glad Minister Dodds has been able to provide some clarity.’
‘Speaking on Friday Minister Dodds revealed that as far back as early June she asked the Executive to redistribute unspent funds from within her department on areas such as the coach, bus and taxi industries as well as a number of other hard hit sectors. In her own words, she said it was now time for the Finance Minister, Conor Murphy to get on and deliver it. The time for shirking responsibility is over. These people and their families need help now.’
‘We need to see our Executive, every one of them, working together in a collective approach. This needs to happen if we are to show genuine leadership and support for all those who have been impacted.’
