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Mr Gordon Lyons: Assembly records
All of Mr Gordon Lyons’s imported questions, contributions and motions in this mandate, newest first, including those assessed as not flagged, uncertain or not yet analysed.
I am sure that the Member will understand that I cannot comment on that because of ongoing legal issues. However, it is always a good thing if we can learn from previous schemes and any issues or difficulties that arise, and there will certainly be a willingness by my Department to do that. The Member will be aware of…
It is certainly my intention for it to be in place again in the next financial year. The number of applications that we have received so far indicate the need that exists in sport in Northern Ireland. I want to see that continue. I hope that we can have the same budget or an increased budget again because it makes a…
The issue has been addressed by Sport NI on its web page that advertises the fund. It is not a competitive grant, and I acknowledge that not all clubs or sports may have the same capacity to access the fund. I knew that it would be popular, and I am pleased to see a big uptake, so, to ensure a fair distribution of…
Sport NI has advised me that it has received 44 applications to date: 16 projects have been approved; three applications have been declined on grounds of project ineligibility; and 25 projects remain under review.
I have said that I will present the fuel poverty strategy by the end of the year, and that is still my intention. We know that, as we head into the winter, the issues become more pressing for people. I am well aware of the costs and difficulties that many people face. I will have the strategy before the Executive by…
I am aware of the impact that that has had, and the Member will be aware of the genesis of it and of how the funding for us to continue it is no longer in place. We will assess the implications of that and, as part of our wider anti-poverty work, take whatever steps we need to in order to make sure that we make the…
The issues that people in North Down face with poverty are similar to those that people throughout Northern Ireland face. I am working to address those issues through the development of the anti-poverty strategy and interventions such as the extension of welfare mitigations; the adoption of the new housing supply…
It has an impact, of course. The Housing Executive manages the day-to-day operation of the social housing development programme and regularly engages with Northern Ireland Water. It has provided Northern Ireland Water with a list of social housing developments that will potentially require a connection to the public…
My party has long made the case for fair-funding models for Northern Ireland, but we have Ministers in post for a reason. Although we want to see more funding, and believe that we are entitled to it, we have to take decisions ourselves. We have to decide on our priorities. It is for each Minister to decide how they…
Yes. I have met, and recently wrote to, the Infrastructure Minister to press for the need to identify substantive actions that will begin to resolve the issue. We are already seeing better collaboration between the Departments as a result of the housing supply strategy and the common thread of wanting to build more…
First, to clarify, I am the Minister for Communities; I am not the Minister for the Economy any longer. The Member asked the same question twice. I do not hold that data, but, as I have said, the problem has had a significant impact. We need to make sure that we have sufficient infrastructure in place. We need to look…
My Department does not hold data on the developments that are impacted on by waste water infrastructure limitations. However, it is clear from discussions with the sector that waste water capacity constraint is having a significant impact on housebuilding.
First, I am a Minister who takes antisocial behaviour seriously. I understand that it is a curse for many good and decent people who just want to live their lives but are plagued by others who, quite frankly, make their lives a misery. I am putting stronger powers in place so that we can deal with antisocial behaviour…
First, the Member misunderstands exactly what I am trying to do with the housing association grant. I am not cutting the funding for social housing. First and foremost, that needs to be made clear. I am cutting the amount of money that is available per unit so that the slack can be taken up by housing associations…
The Housing Executive has said that the principal considerations for the geographical distribution of the units will include the geographical areas where exposure to high-cost temporary accommodation is most prevalent; the nature of the temporary accommodation client groups, such as single persons, couples or…
We will want to make sure that we buy properties that are fit for purpose. I share the Member's concern, however, about the extensive number of derelict properties in Northern Ireland. I see them in my constituency, and I am sure that the Member sees them in hers. I hope that her party colleague's Dilapidation Bill…
It is rare that Ministers bring forward proposals that will save money in the long run, but that is exactly what we are doing through the scheme. It will save £75 million over the next seven years. It is important that we do not lose sight of that, because in these times of financial constraint, we need to demonstrate…
We are taking a holistic approach. First and foremost, I am trying to deal with the cost of temporary accommodation. By allowing reserves to be used in that way, we will save significant sums of money that would otherwise be spent on hotels and B&Bs. The nature of the temporary accommodation client groups, such as…
The Housing Executive has indicated that an estimated 25 properties will be purchased in the current financial year. That will be followed by 125 properties next year, 225 properties in 2027-28 and 225 properties in 2028-29.
I want to see the recommendations implemented. It is right that we pick up on what some of those recommendations are. One is: "Decision making ... needs to better reflect the two communities in Northern Ireland". That shows that it does not currently reflect the communities in Northern Ireland. Another recommendation…
No, I am not satisfied that it has ended, but I am satisfied that I will do everything that I can to make sure that it does end and that we are not in this situation again. The Member is absolutely right to mention Lewis. I am sure that the whole House will join me in congratulating him on his outstanding…
The Member is right to highlight the bravery of those who have been prepared to stand up, speak out and take action. It is not the easiest thing to do. As I said in my statement, the easiest thing is to stay quiet and say nothing at all. However, I commend Daryl and others who came forward and made their case, because…
There is a requirement on me to make sure that public funding goes to organisations that uphold the law and demonstrate high levels of governance and a commitment to good relations. The recommendations are very clear on what needs to happen. They were clear in 2013, of course, but they were not implemented. Therefore,…
That is still to be determined, but I will be very clear with the Member and the House: I want to see action being taken, and that is what is going to drive me on this. For over 12 years, we have been waiting for action to be taken, and too many of the recommendations made in the report in 2013 have not been…