§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent representations he has received from the Northern Ireland Citizens Advice Bureaux concerning the number of people dependent on income support; and what action the Government will take to reduce poverty levels in Northern Ireland. [19854]
§ Mr. MossI am not aware of any recent representations from the Northern Ireland Citizens Advice Bureaux concerning the number of people dependent on income support.
The Government continue to give priority to targeting resources on areas and people in greatest need. Social security in Northern Ireland maintains parity with the rest of the United Kingdom and income-related benefits such as income support provide assistance to the least well-off.