§ Mr. Peter RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what arrangements have been made for the transfer of responsibility for homeless people from the Department of Health and Social Services in Northern Ireland to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive; and if he will issue a report on the steps which have been taken.
(2) what new funding arrangements for voluntary organisations dealing with homelessness in Northern 392W Ireland he proposes after new homelessness legislation is introduced; and what consultation there will be regarding those changes.
§ Mr. NeedhamArrangements for the transfer to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive of responsibility for the temporary accommodation needs of homeless people will be included in a proposal for a draft housing Order in Council which is to be published in March 1988.
Discussions on the practical issues arising from this proposed transfer are currently underway between the four health and social services boards and the Housing Executive.
It is also intended to include a provision on the proposed draft order which would deal with funding arrangements for voluntary organisations concerned with homelessness. The legislation will be subject to the normal consultation process.