17 October 2025
SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA has said the Executive needs to find the money to give healthcare workers their overdue pay increase.
He was speaking after First Minister Michelle O’Neill said the money was there to pay for the uplift.
This was later contradicted by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt who said he had yet to find the additional £100m from his departmental budget.
South Belfast MLA Matthew O’Toole said:
“Once again the dysfunction at the heart of this Executive is clear for all to see. The First Minister told healthcare workers at the post-Executive meeting press conference yesterday the money was there to pay for their long-awaited payrise. Shortly afterwards the Health Minister released a statement that he was still £100m short. This is no way to run a government.
“The First Minister created a false expectation among healthcare staff and it is clear the Health Minister believes there is some way to go to solve this issue. Our health staff cannot be casualties of Executive brinkmanship. They were promised this money, it’s been provided to health staff in Britain and pay parity must be met.
“We are entering the most difficult part of the year for healthcare workers, but the reality is every single day is difficult. People are being asked to do more and more for less and it’s only their dedication and ties here that keeps many from pursuing more lucrative opportunities elsewhere. We are still facing the prospect of industrial action from health staff this winter and many will be feeling they have no other choice.
“This unedifying episode is yet another example of this Executive’s inability to work together and deliver.”