The Executive convened this morning to approve the £640 million distribution. Of that, £350 million, or 57% of the available funds, went to health.

However, it is believed that Health Minister Mike Nesbitt disagreed with his allotment and wanted a larger portion of the funds. Justice will receive an additional £36 million, while Education was the other major winner, receiving an additional £171 million.

The majority of the funds are anticipated to be used to meet general challenges, such as pay agreements in the public sector.

This year, about £24 million has been set aside to construct an extra 1400 social dwellings. In addition, 17 million pounds will be used to lessen the effects of a UK move to test pensioners' winter heating subsidies. Despite the additional funding, Stormont's ministries still have a budget deficit of around £140 million, which forces ministers to make some difficult choices.

Although he welcomed the additional funds, Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald stressed the importance of financial responsibility.

"While these allocations will go some way towards addressing pressures a significant gap remains," she stated. "Spending too much is not an option.

The £559 million that the Treasury has promised to write down would be at risk if this were to happen.

"This would further exacerbate an already difficult situation. We must all cooperate in order to produce a balanced budget.

An extra £68 million was allocated for capital expenditures. A portion of it is designated for improving waste water treatment facilities.