To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline their plans to reassess the designation of Social Investment Zones in order to allow for changes in need since May 2012; and what criteria an area is required to meet in order to be considered eligible for social investment funding.

From the outset our approach to the Social Investment Fund (SIF) has been bottom up and community led so that the projects have the support of the communities they are seeking to help. All SIF projects have therefore been identified and prioritised according to need across communities by the nine Social Investment Zone Steering Groups.

The area planning process, completed in February 2013, has culminated with funding commitments to twenty three projects worth £34.4 million. These projects, and those others prioritised within the funding allocations in November 2013, have been and continue to go through a rigorous assessment process which includes consideration of evidence of need.

There are therefore no plans to reassess the area plans or projects proposed at this stage, but rather the focus is on moving to expedite delivery on the ground.

Details of the SIF eligibility criteria are available on the OFMDFM website at http://www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/index/delivering-social-change/social-investment-fund.htm