AQO 2002/22-27 Oral question to the Minister for Communities
To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Asked by Eóin Tennyson MLA on 8 May 2025
- Answered
- Oral
- Answered in the Chamber
- Tabled
- 8 May 2025
- Answer due by
- 19 May 2025
- Answered
- 19 May 202511 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for Communities
- Priority question
- No
Answer
Answered in the Assembly Chamber on 19 May 2025. Extract from the Official Report (Hansard), including any supplementary questions:
Mr Lyons
The anti-poverty strategy was presented to the Executive at the end of March and its publication for consultation was agreed at the Executive meeting last week. I look forward to hearing from people during the consultation period so that we can have an effective anti-poverty strategy in place.
Mr Tennyson
Thank you, Minister, for that answer. The strategy was heavily trailed in the media last week ahead of the Executive meeting, yet, as we stand here today, neither Members nor the sector have seen a copy of that document. Why the delay, and does that speak to a disrespect for those of us in the Chamber?
Mr Lyons
I always said that I would consult those in the group that was involved with the co-design before I publicised the document. That is meant as no disrespect to the House, but those who were involved in the document's co-design deserve to be consulted as well. I assure the House that I am looking forward to the strategy's publication and to the debate so that we can look at the strategy and see what improvements can be made. Ultimately, we have something that is realistic, deliverable and can change people's lives.
Mr Deputy Speaker (Dr Aiken)
Ms Brogan is not in her place so we will move swiftly on to topical questions.