COMMITTEE FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

PRESS RELEASE

10 February 2011

Ref: SD 04/10/11

COMMITTEE HEARS CONCERNS ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Social Development held an event today to give charities and groups from across Northern Ireland the chance to raise their concerns on topics such as welfare reform and the credit crunch, disability issues, housing association procurement and volunteering.

Simon Hamilton MLA, Chairperson of the Committee said “The Committee for Social Development has responsibility for a wide range of issues including housing, social security and pensions. With the large volume of Bills being looked at by the Committee, there are fewer opportunities for us to hear directly from groups and individuals affected by these issues.

“The Committee is keen to reach out, hear people’s views and discuss the issues concerning them. This is the fourth event we have organised like this. They are a useful way of bringing people and the Committee together. Today we heard how important volunteers are to charities and community groups, the procurement challenges facing the Housing Associations and the impact of planning on the social economy.

“What we hear today will inform the work of this Committee and quite possibly the Committee in the next mandate.

ENDS

Further information on the Social Development Committee can be found at: http://archive.niassembly.gov.uk/social/2007mandate/socialhome_07.htm

The Committee for Social Development membership is:

Mr. Simon Hamilton MLA (Chairperson)
Ms. Carál Ní Chuilín MLA (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr. Sydney Anderson MLA
Mr. Fred Cobain MLA
Mrs. Mary Bradley MLA
Mr. Mickey Brady MLA
Mr. Jonathan Craig MLA
Mr. Alex Easton MLA
Mr. Tommy Gallagher MLA
Ms. Anna Lo MLA
Mr. Fra McCann

The Clerk of the Social Development Committee is:

Peter McCallion
Northern Ireland Assembly
Phone: 028 90 521864
Mobile : 07825141294
Email: peter.mccallion@niassembly.gov.uk

Media enquiries to:

Jennifer Pleavin
Communications Officer
Northern Ireland Assembly
Phone: 028 9052 1606
Mobile : 07502 379339
Email: Jennifer.pleavin@niassembly.gov.uk

Sinead Murphy
Deputy Communications Officer
Northern Ireland Assembly
Phone: 028 9052 5938
Mobile : 078 998 64368
Email: sinead.murphy@niassembly.gov.uk