Stormont Finance Minister John O’Dowd says ministers are approaching a decision on changes described as “fairer” funding for Northern Ireland. The comments come as O’Dowd prepares for a meeting involving the new UK Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Sir Chris Bryant, with political parties later. According to reporting from the Evening Standard, O’Dowd speaks ahead of that session, suggesting the discussions are intended to progress funding arrangements and related financial discussions. The Belfast Telegraph runs the same story under the same headline, presenting O’Dowd as the central figure and similarly linking the timing to the forthcoming meeting with parties. Across the coverage, the key focus is on internal decision-making by ministers and the expectation that party talks following the Secretary of State’s engagement will move the issue forward. The reporting emphasizes timing and the role of the Secretary of State, but does not detail specific figures or policy changes in the provided excerpts.