SDLP Social Development Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has said that the destruction of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) is a disastrous move which will affect thousands of people and put a question mark over the principles which underpinned NIHE.

The Foyle MLA was speaking before the Assembly reconvened from its Christmas break.

He said: "All my life and for some years beforehand, the Housing Executive stood as the mainstay of ensuring housing allocation based on need and not on creed.

"The principles which underpinned its foundation were both noble and necessary, as much now as in 1971.

"It is not a perfect organisation – there were and remain improvements which need to be made to ensure its effectiveness and efficiency and it was that, rather than its destruction, which my colleagues Margaret Ritchie and Alex Attwood had in mind when they examined the need for a review.

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"However, Nelson McCausland's decision to axe the Executive is disastrous for thousands and, in tandem with his shameful actions in relation to Girdwood last year, raises many questions about the Minister’s commitment to housing allocated on the basis of proven need.

"As of Friday afternoon, the Minister was also refusing to give an oral statement to the house in addition to his written statement of last week, flying in the face of specific advice from the Speaker that he should appear in person to face MLAs on the topic.

"I have called his actions cowardly, and I see no need to revise my opinion.

"I have, however, tabled an urgent oral question for the Minister which I am hopeful of being selected if the Minister refuses to come before the house of his own volition.

"Those in need of social housing deserve nothing less than an efficient, effective, well-managed housing authority which will protect them from inequality. The Minister should be helping NIHE to improve, not implode."

(CD/GK)