evidence: Northern Ireland’s political parties have been offered hundreds of millions in extra public spending on condition that the Stormont institutions are brought back to life, but the money is unlikely to fill the legislature’s budget gap. [...] Last year, Stormont overspent by nearly £300m, while the 2023/24 budget is also significantly in the red, too. Minus Stormont ministers, civil servants have made £1 billion worth of cuts, but a £1 billion deficit is still forecast - including £450m for inflation pressures and higher demands for health services from an ageing population. In addition, £550m is overdue for the public pay bill.