To ask the Minister for Communities whether he has any specific plans to additionally support women and their children in temporary accommodation due to domestic abuse.

This issue is an operational matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:

“The Domestic Abuse Action Plan was launched on 10 December. It contains 16 actions including a commitment to review existing training for frontline staff and the development of new training courses ranging from basic awareness of domestic abuse to identification of, and response to, domestic abuse within the workplace, tenant’s homes, Housing Executive hostels and during interviews for customers. The plan aims to improve communication to ensure those experiencing domestic abuse are aware of the support available and how to access this.”

For any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact the NIHE directly. Making direct contact with the ALB will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.