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Of course it is. All the evidence that we have is that the regulation will drive up costs. In the current system, we can ensure that the pitches have what is needed in them. That is being taken from us, and the alternatives are more expensive. This might have been a route that we wanted to go down. We may have decided…
In keeping with the Minister's comments, is this not yet another example of the blind allegiance of some in the Assembly to EU regulation, with zero scrutiny and zero representation, leaving local people at a disadvantage?
Of course, we might have wanted to consider that. We could have debated it in this place. We could have decided whether it was the right move to make and whether the perceived benefits would have outweighed the additional cost, but we did not have the opportunity to do that in the House. We did not have the…
Thank you, Minister, for your answer. I understand that this is not just about your Department. I know that you will agree with me that we should not follow EU regulations on this matter but should get rid of microplastics. With eight out of 12 top-flight team pitches going plastic, this is becoming a real issue. I…
My Department has issued guidance notes to all eligible applicants to the performance programme of the Northern Ireland Football Fund. The guidance notes are also available on the Department's website. Applicants will need to satisfy the Department that investment in artificial grass pitches with rubber infill will…
For clarity, it will be 2026, not 2016. I can do many things, but I cannot travel back in time. I want to make sure that the review is comprehensive and that we consult as many people as possible. As I said in my answer to Sinéad McLaughlin, I want to make sure that we do this right. That means that we have to speak…
Minister, now that we know that the review of primary social needs criteria and points will report around October 2016, will you confirm whether it will include co-production with victims or be based on the current framework and add something to that?
In the 10-year period from 2014 to 2024, the number of cases of intimidation fell from 380 to 226. The number of domestic abuse cases rose from 721 in 2014 to 1,146 in 2024. It is a damning indictment of our society that, in the social housing sector alone, the total number of reported cases was 1,146. It is clear…
As an MLA, I receive reports of intimidation, antisocial behaviour and, sadly, domestic violence in social homes. It is important that we are able to support the people who are affected. How common is intimidation, in comparison with domestic violence?
I want it to be done right now, but I also want it to be done right. There is a balance to be struck. I have full confidence in officials in the Department and the Housing Executive to make sure that we have in place a system that is, as the Member describes it, "fit for purpose".
It is clear that the current system is not fit for purpose and that the review is necessary and urgent. Is the current timetable sufficient to address the challenges quickly enough?
That will be part of the ongoing fundamental review of allocations. My officials will work with the Housing Executive as it carries out modelling, stakeholder engagement and appropriate consultation to inform its considerations. It is anticipated that the fundamental review, including consideration of primary social…
I have met Liz Kendall and others in the DWP ministerial team. My officials have continued engagement at that level to make sure that our particular circumstances are taken into consideration. I have to say that, although there are similarities between what the UK Government are trying to do and what we are trying to…
What engagement have you or your Department had with your DWP counterparts to ensure that our unique circumstances are taken into account in the UK Government's pending Green Paper on welfare reform?
Minister, the £100 scheme is very welcome. Will those who receive money from the scheme, who live in residential settings, maybe where multiple people live, be expected to pay an additional charge to the residential setting that they live in?
First, I hope that the whole House will be behind me on this: we want to see the UK Government change course. They have made a mistake: they have decided to take £1·4 billion off those who need help to heat their homes. That, overall, is a small amount that the Government should have kept in place. It is small…
My officials are working at pace to put in place the IT and other logistical arrangements necessary to make the one-off £100 pension-age fuel support payment. That payment remains on schedule to be paid before the end of March 2025.
I am always happy to work with clubs that are in need and looking for some support, either to direct them to funding or to make use of the funding streams that may become available in the Department. I am a big advocate for all sports. I want to make sure that as many people as possible have the opportunity to play…
Does the Minister have any opportunities in the future for hardship funds, such as those that the Department previously ran up to a value of £0·5 million, for small grassroots groups? The difference between those organisations folding and staying open can often be a couple of hundred pounds. It is not a big amount of…
There are a number of ways in which we can help when it comes to improving sports facilities at schools. Often, it is the case that the Education Authority has a role to play. As I previously outlined, we have the Your School Your Club programme, which helps us make the best use of the facilities that we have. Much of…
Minister, where a school and a sports club share facilities that require an upgrade, do you routinely direct them to the Education Authority's minor works funds?