Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey, who is also the Chair of the Social Development Committee in the Assembly, has stated that there can be no predetermined outcomes on the future of the social housing sector.

Speaking following comments by the new Housing Executive chairperson Donald Hoodless, Mr Maskey said: "It is important that the future of social housing within the north of Ireland is established on the firm foundation of planning and delivering on the basis of need.

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"There is much work to be done to ensure that any changes in housing delivering for the needs we are facing over the coming years. A process of consultation, deliberation and legislation is essential to provide a sound basis for the future of social housing whatever form it may take.

"However one thing is very clear, and it is something we have a commitment from the Social Development Minister on, and that is the fact that there can be no predetermined outcomes on what new housing structures may be most appropriate going forward into the future.

"The process of examining new structures for the delivery of social housing is not a fait accompli and as such I believe it is not appropriate for the current chairperson of the Housing Executive to promote any particular agenda at this early stage of deliberations."

(CD)