The Northern Ireland was given a funding boost by the British Government today which will amount to £1.2 billion sterling in 2005-6.
The increase of resources, which the Northern Assembly ministers will decide how to spend, amounts to an average annual increase of 3.3 per cent over the next three years.
The additional funding was announced by British Chancellor, Mr Gordon Brown, as he outlined his spending plans to the Commons today..
Under the review North will receive an extra £0.4 billion for public spending in 2003-4, £0.76 billion in 2004-05 and £1.2 billion in 2005-6.
Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid said he was "very pleased" with the settlement. "It is now for the Northern Ireland Executive to translate this into the best possible public services for the people of Northern Ireland," he said.
At the same time the Northern Ireland Office has been given significant new resources to take forward policing and criminal justice reforms. The NIO budget will grow by an annual average rate of 3.5 per cent after inflation over the next three years.
The extra resources would be used to help honour Belfast Agreement pledges "so that a lasting and secure peace is maintained and consolidated" said the NIO.
Additional resources amount to £58 million for next year, £91 million for 2004-05 and £140 million in 2005-6.
The North’s Finance Minister Mr Sean Farren also welcomed what he called the "significant increases" for the local administration proposed under the spending review.
Mr Farren said health, education and infrastructure remained the spending priorities for the devolved administration.
PA