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Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 Sinn Féin shirking responsibilities on oil bills, says Lyons

The communities minister was giving his reaction to the £17m support package announced by the UK government.

* Accused Sinn Féin of shirking responsibility over oil fund
* Called their position "absolutely bizarre" and said they seem to be saying it's not an issue for them
* Said government is tough and finding a solution will be difficult, but needs to work together On the £17m support package:
* Described it as "a start, but doesn't go far enough"
* Instructed officials to work with other departments to deliver a plan
* Admitted that the current proposal would not go very far and more is needed
* Uncertain when the money will reach people's pockets Possible options for targeting support:
* Using the benefits system (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, legacy benefits)
* This would still result in each household receiving around £60-£90 if shared among 300,000 households
* Administrative complexity of separating oil households from non-oil households