Ulster Unionist MLA Mike Nesbitt has questioned why the Executive Office have allocated an estimated figure of £28million over the next three years for the running costs of the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression.
Mike Nesbitt MLA said:
“When I questioned TEO officials today over why the Executive Office have earmarked £28million over the next three years to the running of the proposed Office of Identity and Cultural Expression and its two associated Commissioners, it was bizarre to hear that they do not actually know how much it is going to cost.
“Given the disaster that was the running of the Renewable Heat Incentive, I would have expected much greater attention to detail when estimating funding allocations to projects.
“Given a body like the Commission for Victims and Survivors runs on just over £1million a year, I find it astounding that such a big pot of money is being allocated in this instance. Unfortunately at today’s session of the TEO Committee there was little light shed on why the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression could potentially cost almost £30million in its first three years.”