To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any guidance issued to the Housing Executive on ensuring that temporary accommodation placements for households with children are, as far as practicable, close to schools, childcare, employment and family support networks.

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 decision regarding the suitability of temporary accommodation offered in the discharge of the homelessness duty is made in accordance with the Housing (NI) Order 1988.

In determining suitability, Designated Officers within the Housing Executive will consider individual circumstances, the needs of the applicant, and will take on board any representation made on behalf of the applicant. The consideration of individual circumstances will include proximity to schools, childcare, employment and family support networks. The Housing Executive will then seek to provide a placement in a location that best fits the circumstances of that applicant.”