PRESS RELEASE

COMMITTEE FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

24 August 2009

SD 04/08/09

BUSY TIMES FOR THE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Newly appointed Chair of the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Social Development Committee, Simon Hamilton, MLA met with Minister Margaret Ritchie today to discuss how the Committee and the Department for Social Development (DSD) can work together to bring about meaningful change for the people of Northern Ireland.

Simon Hamilton MLA said: “Social Development issues affect the very fabric of the lives of individuals, families and communities across Northern Ireland. In the next Assembly session, the Committee will tackle issues like social housing, pensions, urban regeneration, social security reform, alcohol licensing and improvements to how Northern Ireland is governed and run. We will also publish our much-awaited report on Town Centre Regeneration.

”Assembly Committees give people and organisations the chance to influence the development of Government policy and laws. They are also there to hold Government Departments to account on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland. The Social Development Committee has been working hard to scrutinise DSD’s performance and ensure that people’s views are truly represented at the highest levels of government where decisions on our future are made.

“To be effective, the Committee must maintain its good working relationship with DSD and the Minister. Today’s meeting was a useful start to what will be a busy and productive Assembly session for the Committee and the Department. I look forward to working closely with the Minister in order to ensure good government for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland.”

Minister Margaret Ritchie said: “The Department for Social Development faces many challenges not least the funding shortfall for social housing. We also have a wider role in the development of our society generally – moving toward reconciliation and a shared future. I welcome the helpful and co-operative approach adopted by the Committee. It is hoped that by continuing regular and business-like exchanges, the Department, with the support of the Committee, will continue to be able to bring forward important measures for the benefit of all sections of Northern Ireland society.”

The Chairperson and the Minister were speaking after an introductory meeting. This was one of a series of meetings undertaken by the Chairperson of the Social Development Committee during the summer with stakeholders and Departmental officials.

The Assembly is to resume on 6 September 2009. The Social Development Committee holds regular public weekly meetings, usually in Parliament Buildings, beginning from 10 September 2009. For further information on Committee meetings, please visit http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Committee Information:

Committee Membership: Mr Simon Hamilton (DUP) (Chairperson); Mr David Hilditch (DUP) (Deputy Chairperson); Mr Billy Armstrong (UUP); Mr Mickey Brady (SF); Mrs Mary Bradley (SDLP); Mr Thomas Burns (SDLP); Mr Jonathan Craig (DUP); Ms Anna Lo (ALL); Mr Fra McCann (SF); Ms Caral Ni Chuilin (SF); Miss Michelle McIlveen (DUP).

Media enquiries to:
Stephanie Mallon
Communication Office, Parliament Buildings, Belfast. BT4 3XX
Tel: 028 9052 1953
Mobile: 07825 146794
Email: stephanie.mallon@niassembly.gov.uk
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