Ministers search for spare cash

The Stormont Executive will meet on Thursday to discuss what can be done to help tackle the economic downturn.

Departments have been asked to find money in their budgets which has not yet been spent and which could be put towards an economic package.

MLAs have been asked to delay the Christmas break in order to approve ministerial decisions on the economy.

Meanwhile, assembly members are expected to turn down a pay rise if it is recommended by an independent body.

BBC NI political editor Mark Devenport said the senior salaries review body was due to submit its final report on MLAs' pay, allowance and pensions soon.

"Although it's not clear what recommendation the review body will make, in the spring an internal assembly document predicted it could back a 16% pay rise," he said.

"However, in light of the credit crunch, and the 150-day gap in executive meetings, an assembly source said the Stormont politicians would be 'crazy' to accept any rise."