Minister Criticizes Sinn Féin on Oil Bill Fund Responsibilities
The communities minister has accused Sinn Féin of avoiding its responsibilities regarding a fund intended to assist families struggling with rising oil bills.
In response to Sinn Féin's request for him to develop a plan to distribute funds to those in need, Gordon Lyons described their stance as "absolutely bizarre."
"They seem to be shirking their responsibilities all together and saying this is not an issue for us,"
he stated.
"This is something that we need to work together on. Government is tough, and finding a solution to this will be tough."
Comments on UK Government Support Package
Speaking at the Ireland Funds Gala event in Washington DC, the minister responded to the £17 million support package announced by the UK government.
"It's a start, but it doesn't go far enough,"
he said.
"Now I've said that I've instructed officials to work with colleagues in other departments to see what it is that we can come up with to actually deliver on this.
I have to be clear that will not go very far with what we have, it's a start. We need more,"
Lyons added.
Uncertainty on Fund Distribution Timing
The minister also expressed uncertainty about when the funds would reach those affected.
"I know the people will want to have certainty on that, but I commit to working as quickly as I can with others to try and get that certainty,"
he said.
"We want to make sure that it actually makes a difference to those who are suffering at the worst."
