Every imported question, contribution and motion, with its classification. Unflagged, uncertain and not-yet-analysed records are all included so the analysis can be checked independently.
I beg to move The order was laid before the Assembly on 13 January and is subject to the affirmative resolution procedure. The order is made under the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985. I thank the Communities Committee for its scrutiny of the policy and the order. The Gaming…
Before I address the technical amendment that the Chairperson of the Committee for Communities has tabled, I thank the Assembly and the Executive for supporting the progress of the Bill through the House. I also offer my thanks to the Office of the Legislative Counsel (OLC) for its rapid yet thorough advice on each…
Minister, beyond levelling the playing field, I will advocate for the victims of domestic abuse, given that people with children have been waiting in temporary accommodation for a year and a half. Domestic abuse is one of the most prevalent crimes across Northern Ireland, and we need to improve our housing system for…
The Minister could have increased the threshold for victims of domestic violence, but, under today's announcement, everyone will lose out, so it is very concerning.
I am really concerned about the announcement. I fear that it will put people at risk, and I say that with no exaggeration. For people who are the victim of a paramilitary, racist or domestic violence attack, the announcement effectively says that they cannot quickly get the 200 points required to get out of the house,…
In his statement, the Minister highlighted primary social needs criteria and points for all victims of violence. Will he therefore advise, given that violence is already covered under the primary social needs criteria, whether he foresees a new category being added? Will it include increasing the number of points,…
I thank the Minister for his statement today. Has he any plans to mainstream the social inclusion model developed through the shared housing programme to empower residents to be resilient to paramilitary influence and to encourage social mixing?
I thank the Minister for his statement. I am sure that it will be welcomed across Northern Ireland, as the issue has been a bone of contention in many areas. The immediate costs of implementing the change are expected to be minimal. The long-term financial impact as a result of the increased demand for housing…
I thank the Minister for his statement. I welcome the removal of points and the review of primary social needs criteria as part of the overall review. My question is about the review of the emergency grant. In North Belfast, housing is a major stressor, and I am sure that Members' constituency staff will be pleased to…
Thank you so much, Minister, for your statement. A lot of single men who are under threat and kept in temporary accommodation stay there for a long time. If intimidation points are taken away, what support will be given to such men, given that we know that it is difficult for a single male in the system? Similarly,…
— is about to be awarded. Minister, other parties in the Chamber talk the talk about ensuring fairness and equality. Do you agree that that shows that this party walks the walk?
Minister, it is a good day for fairness and a great day for equality. The people of North Belfast are sick to the back teeth of languishing on waiting lists while they see those who engage in anti-community activity rushed to the top of the housing selection scheme, particularly when a new social housing allocation —
Minister, your Department was the lead for Fresh Start work stream two: "People and communities are more resilient to paramilitary influence and involvement in paramilitarism, criminality and organised crime." Where a tenant engages in threatening, violent or abusive behaviour towards another household, what will you…
I thank the Minister for his statement and especially for putting victims at the centre of his decision. It is a powerful day for victims, whose voices have been heard. The announcement and the move to help them to escape violence will certainly save lives. Minister, concern about intimidation points has been an issue…
I thank the Minister for his welcome statement about being fair to all victims of violence. How can he ensure, as part of the ongoing review, that the primary social needs criteria and points are appropriate and fair to all?
Thanks very much, Minister. Under the housing selection scheme that you mentioned in your statement, the succession of tenancy policy has seen an increase in evictions and homelessness, particularly in the Belfast area, in recent times. A recent High Court case actually ruled in favour of a tenant whom the Housing…
Minister, I welcome the fact that victims of domestic abuse will be assessed and provided with emergency assistance, and that the process is to become fairer and more transparent. Will you provide a copy of the assessment process that establishes how specialised, tailored support for those who are impacted on by…
First and foremost, it levels the playing field. I have heard from housing associations and from Members across the House about the unfairness of people being treated differently because of the cause of violence. I hope that this sends a strong message that we do not believe that domestic violence is any less worthy a…
I join colleagues in welcoming this statement this morning. It will be incredibly positive for a whole range of people across Northern Ireland. I will focus on domestic abuse and ask the Minister if he can give us more details about what these changes will specifically mean for survivors of domestic abuse in Northern…
That is an operational matter for the Housing Executive. I am always happy to talk to the Housing Executive if additional resource is required, but that is not something that has been raised specifically with me by the Housing Executive, as it has control over its budget and how it is allocated. As always, I will be…
Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a ráiteas. Will funding be provided to support the NIHE's front-line staff involved in housing allocations to undergo trauma training in order to minimise any potential re-traumatisation of clients during the assessment process following the review of primary social needs points and to…
The Member is absolutely right to raise that issue, because I think, and I hope, that it is the ambition of everybody in the Chamber to see an end to paramilitary activity in Northern Ireland. I do not believe that there was ever justification for paramilitary activity, and I certainly do not believe that there is…
I thank the Minister for his statement. I do not think that anybody in the House will deny that intimidation and, indeed, paramilitary intimidation still happens in our communities, irrespective of the 200-point award. Can the Minister advise the House what steps the Executive have taken collectively to eradicate…
Yes, sorry: the police and verification. There are existing systems in place using the PSNI and voluntary and community sector organisations and others. That will continue, but I also expect it to be reviewed, because we need to make sure that the system is as robust as possible. I understand that concerns have been…