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We are having those conversations. I want to see as many homes built as possible. Just because we are not able to build those homes where there is the highest demand due to waste water constraints, that should not stop us building as many houses as we can. The most important thing is that we have houses for people who…
Go raibh maith agat, Minister. The Minister is well aware of the pressures on the waste water system, particularly in urban settings. There is, however, capacity in some rural settings. Will he ensure that, where social housing can be built in rural areas, that is the focus to ensure that that need is met?
That is an important part of the work that we do. You will know how the housing supply strategy addresses our rural needs. Ultimately, however, we have a shortage of supply everywhere, including in rural areas. We need to make sure that we fulfil the demands that are there.
I am happy to ensure that officials engage with the sector directly to make sure that we scope out the problem and find the solutions, if there are any.
I am not an expert on the matter, but some organisations are. A colleague who works with St Vincent de Paul tells me that it comes up regularly. If the Minister's officials are going to engage on the matter, I ask that they engage with the voluntary and community sector, which supports people and may well have…
I am disappointed to hear that that is your experience, as we also hear about it from time to time. I will be happy to raise that with officials to see what needs to be done and whether there are additional regulatory measures that we can take or other support that we can offer. If she has any specific examples of how…
I am happy to look at all the programmes that we have. I am driven by whatever delivers the results. I hope that the Government will follow through and give the funding to the projects that need it. We will, of course, look at the totality of what is offered to see what is best for people and how we can make sure that…
Given that so many of the voluntary organisations that have been funded by the local growth fund are looking at disability and employment schemes, can your Department do anything in conjunction with the Department for the Economy, such as bringing in something that we have spoken about before around JobStart instead…
Yes. The Member is right to say that it is a matter for the Department of Finance to take forward, but it impacts on all of us, and it is something that I am concerned about. I have raised the matter with Executive colleagues, and we have put those views across. We need certainty more than anything else; we do not…
Yes. I hope that it inspires the next generation. Maybe even the Member will be inspired to take up a new sport; maybe he will be seeking Olympic glory as well. I certainly encourage him in that. However, I was in Paris in August 2024, and I met Hannah Scott outside a cafe. We sat down and had a conversation. She told…
I thank the Minister for this very positive fund, which builds on the legacy of our most successful Olympic games. Does the Minister feel that this investment could see more young people getting involved in sport? For example, might we see more Rhys McClenaghans?
I am pleased to say that the £1 million Olympic legacy fund is now open. We have grants available from £1,000 to £50,000, and it is 65% grant to 35% crowdfunding. It is an opportunity to make a real difference for those across Northern Ireland. I was asked about what we are doing to help the sports clubs and…
I understand where the Member is coming from, and I have much sympathy for those who find themselves in that situation. I get that there can be family ties and connections, and we need to make sure we have a policy in place that is compassionate, not only to those in that situation but to those who need a suitable…
I thank the Minister for that response. I am sure that he will appreciate the difficulty, which we all hear about in our constituency offices, particularly when a young person has lived their whole life in a family home, and then, sadly, a parent or relative passes away, and they have to leave their home. If there is…
Some concerns have been expressed about that. We are trying to get a balance between making sure that those with the proper connection to the homes are able to stay in them and making sure that the right stock goes to those who need it most, which is a requirement for us. I will be happy to look into any specific…
It is a difficult issue, because there are competing priorities and rights for the various interested stakeholders. We want to try to get a balance. I will bring the issue to the House, as I am required to do, and we will publish our response to that soon. I will look at what additional reforms may be required in due…
Thanks, Minister. Obviously, it is clear that there is an urgent need to reform the liquor licensing system. How will you ensure that any reforms balance the needs of the hospitality sector with the protection of public health and community well-being?
I am aware of who is responsible. Councils have extensive powers in those areas, and there is a mismatch between what different councils are doing. I will clarify that when I bring that HMO statement to the House, and there will be an opportunity for us to discuss that further. However, first and foremost, we should…
I will tell him, as the Minister responsible for HMO policy, that some houses across the North have essentially had their kitchens closed off to avoid them being defined as an HMO and so that they remain immune from enforcement. Some properties are being used as temporary accommodation by the Housing Executive, which…
I will tell you what I am going to do about it. I will make a statement to the House very soon. The Member's question betrays a misunderstanding of how the system operates. There is a responsibility on councils and how they handle issues around HMOs. Therefore, I will bring a statement to the House, and I will outline…
My goodness, it sounds as though Mr Durkan has been listening to the legitimate concerns of some of his local residents. I am glad that, as Mr Brett said, he has now come on board. He recognises the issues that that is causing for local communities.