To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) what measures he plans to introduce to mitigate the impact of the national living wage on the social care sector; and (ii) for a timeline for the implementation of these measures.

The Department has recognised that the domiciliary care sector is currently facing significant challenges including the introduction of the National Living Wage.

In response to these challenges the HSC Board is undertaking a regional review of domiciliary care provision in Northern Ireland. It is intended that the review will shape the future direction of Domiciliary Care provision, taking into account the financial and other challenges facing the sector. The Review will take account of the views of statutory and independent providers, service users and carers and staff representatives.

Once my officials have had an opportunity to consider the review they will provide me with recommendations for consideration in due course.