Agriculture, education and health are the main beneficiaries of a �32m spending package unveiled by the new government in Northern Ireland.

The power-sharing executive met on Tuesday night to agree the redistribution of funds which remained unspent in departmental budgets at the end of this financial year.

An additional �6.7m is being allocated to the Department of Agriculture following the reshuffle of funds.

Education, housing and roads receive nearly �8m, whilst the Department of Health is to receive �6.3m.

More than half of the health money will be spent dealing with the current flu outbreak which has placed a heavy burden on resources.

And the remainder of the money will go towards refurbishing wards and replacing old equipment.

Sinn Fein Health Minister Bairbre de Brun said hospital services were under a terrible strain.

She said the measures were "exceptional" in light of the "exceptional circumstances" and were "for essential short term help with current problems."

She added: "It is, however, important that there are adequate health and social care arrangements to cope in the longer term and these will also have resource implications."

'Detailed response'

Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon of the Social, Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), said people should regard the money as a very fast, positive, and detailed response to the "need that exists with the whole caring element of our society."

First Minister David Trimble described the cash as a "shot in the arm" for the health service.

Eileen Bell of the Alliance Party praised the health minister and her colleagues for their "speedy response" to the problem.

Trade Minister Sir Reg Empey, of the Ulster Unionist Party, acknowledged the hospital services were under pressure.

"We have seen people on trollies and I know the hospitals have done their very best to deal with them, but nevertheless, it is not the standard that any of us would hold up as an example."

Finance Minister Mark Durkan (SDLP) said the extra money was down to good housekeeping.

The Assembly's finance committee is expected to be briefed on the details of the budget changes later on Wednesday.

BBC NI Political Correspondent Martina Purdy said the money had been allocated into the areas of the greatest need.

"This is real government for these politicians, many of whom largely would have been talking about constitutional issues.

"All of a sudden they have to become experts in a range of issues. The wheels of government are turning.