§ 19. Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on family policy in Northern Ireland. [26394]
§ Mr. MossThe Department of Health and Social Services chairs an inter-departmental group on social policy issues in Northern Ireland, and part of its remit is to maximise the contribution of public policies to supporting family life. Specific policy initiatives have been taken in the areas of domestic violence and early years provision. Northern Ireland is represented on the Government's family law and administration working party.