By Jonathan McCambridge and David Young (PA)
The Government has committed to delivering a £400 energy bill discount to people in Northern Ireland, Stormont Finance Minister Conor Murphy has said.
However, Mr Murphy warned that there was no guarantee when the payments would be made and said it was not clear if people in Northern Ireland would receive the money at the same time as those in the rest of the UK.
However, DUP Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has said it is his understanding that the scheme will be delivered in November.
The ministers were speaking after a meeting of a taskforce set up by the Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi to look at how to operate the energy support scheme in Northern Ireland.
Mr Murphy also said he pushed the Chancellor on the need for further Westminster intervention to address the cost-of-living crisis.
He said: “The current cost of living is undoubtedly having a major impact across society, for our citizens, businesses and also for public services.
“I have made it clear to the Chancellor today that additional funding is urgently required and that the new Prime Minister must put in place a package of measures which will provide additional support to households, businesses and public services.”
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