§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what(a) reason travellers are being prevented from using the St. Christopher's Park site, (b) what attempts have been made to offer them alternative accommodation, (c) for what reasons vacating travellers are prevented from returning to the official site in Newry and (d) which bodies have responsibility for looking after the housing and education needs of traveller families. [123055]
§ Mr. George HowarthThe management of the Travellers' site at St. Christopher's Park, Newry is a matter for the Newry and Mourne District Council. As far as accommodation for Travellers in concerned, as present it is a function of District Councils to provide transit and serviced sites, while housing (including group housing) is provided through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
The Department of Education and the relevant Education and Library Board have responsibility for the education of children of compulsory school age and those who remain in school past 16.
Responsibility for this subject has been devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly and is therefore no longer a matter for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.