MLA calls out Executive over failure to act on rising oil prices

A Newry and Armagh MLA has criticised the Northern Ireland Executive for its failure to address rising oil prices, as households across the north continue to feel the impact of the ongoing conflict in Iran.

MLA Justin McNulty posed a question to the First Ministers in March, asking them to detail their plans to address rising oil prices and their impact on the cost of living. The question has still not been responded to.

The contrast with the Irish government's response has sharpened McNulty's criticism. Following the announcement that the Irish government will introduce measures to reduce oil prices for households and businesses, McNulty has now tabled further questions to the First Ministers and the Ministers for Finance and Economy, asking for their assessment of introducing a similar policy in the North to temporarily reduce tax on petrol.

McNulty said: "The south has got it right. The government stepped in swiftly and promptly to deliver much needed support to families who are struggling with this upsurge in oil prices. In the North, the Executive is still squabbling and blaming the British Government rather than designing and proposing a plan to help people here."

He pointed to the scale of the issue in the North, noting that more than two thirds of households rely on home heating oil. "We need the Executive to stop the indecision, stop the sectarian debating, and put forward a plan that helps struggling families and businesses," he said.

With no response yet from the First Ministers and further questions now tabled across three departments, McNulty has made clear he will continue pressing the Executive for action on what he describes as a far-reaching issue demanding unity and cohesion from those in power.