To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) how the Social Investment Fund Steering groups were chosen; and (ii) how many members are (a) women; (b) under 30 years of age; and (c) people with disabilities, broken down by Steering Group.

On 17 May 2012 Executive Ministers agreed the operation of the Social Investment Fund (SIF), which included the process to form the Steering

Groups across all nine zones.

As a result it was agreed that Steering Groups would comprise of 14 members, made up of 4 voluntary/community, 4 political, 4 statutory and 2 business representatives.

In relation to voluntary/community representatives, individuals were invited through an open call, to express interest on being on the group. We considered all nominations received and decisions were made based on the nominee’s level of previous programme experience. Other factors such as evidence of community endorsement for the nomination and geographical spread were also considered.

To determine political membership, the d’Hondt methodology was applied to the relevant 2011 election results and party leaders were invited to nominate based on their allocation across the zones.

A council representative was also in attendance in each Steering Group.

Steering Groups in each zone were then asked to nominate the remaining statutory and business representatives.

Current membership of the Steering Groups is outlined on the OFMDFM website. We do not hold the information on the breakdown of age profile and disability.