Question to the Minister for Communities

Minister's Answer

I understand people's shock and concern about all the changes and the uncertainty that they have caused. I do not know what the full impact for Northern Ireland will be at this time. My officials continue to work closely with the Department for Work and Pensions to understand the full implications for Northern Ireland. Calculations on the UK-wide impact of the Green Paper were published along with the Chancellor's spring statement on 26 March. It will take time to understand the Northern Ireland impacts thereafter.

I want to ensure that Northern Ireland has a welfare system that is fair for claimants and taxpayers and which protects the most vulnerable. I will continue to engage with the UK Government to ensure that that happens. I will also continue to engage with Executive colleagues, as Northern Ireland does not have the resources to mitigate the changes.