Programme for Government: Executive Priorities

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — The Executive Office – in the Northern Ireland Assembly am 2:30 pm ar 10 Mehefin 2024.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Emma Little-Pengelly Emma Little-Pengelly DUP 2:30, 10 Mehefin 2024

The Member's question highlights once again how difficult our Budget is. The Budget for this year was divided up, with approximately 50% for the Department of Health, 30% for the Department of Education and 10% for the Department of Justice. That left just 10% to be divided among the other Departments, including the Department for Communities, which takes the lead on housing.

Housing is an issue of significant concern. To some extent, we are behind some other jurisdictions on tackling the housing crisis. The Member will know from speaking to those at the event this morning — we all know from speaking to people throughout Northern Ireland and in our constituencies — that the housing crisis is already putting pressure on families. We need more social and affordable housing. We must make sure that young families and people in Northern Ireland can get on to the housing ladder and get a home. We need to take action on the issue now. It is, unfortunately, a product of the difficult Budget position, but I am acutely aware of the pressures. We will continue to seek that additional resource to ensure that we can build what we need to build.