Sinn Féin MLA and Vice Chair of the Social Development Committee Mickey Brady has welcomed the issuing of a Section 44 notice calling on the Housing Executive (HE) to produce the Campbell-Tickell report into the alleged over-payments of £18m to various contractors.

Mr Brady stated: "During the course of the questioning into the handling by the Minister and the Housing Executive of alleged overpayments of up to £18m to outside contractors the Social Development Committee requested a full copy of the Campbell-Tickell report from the Housing Executive.

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"The Campbell-Tickell report examines the serious allegations made publically by the Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland that four companies had received £18m in over payments, allegations each company has denied.

"Despite the formal request by the Committee to the Housing Executive Chair, Donald Hoodless to provide the full report, it was regrettably refused.

"If we are to maintain confidence in our public bodies then transparency and accountability are core issues so it is crucial we have access to all the relevant documentation.

"The Social Development Committee agreed to lodge a Section 44 notice which would compel the Housing Executive to provide the committee with the report.

"I welcome confirmation from the Speakers office that this notice has now issued been issued to the Housing Executive ordering them to produce the report to the Social Development Committee."

(CD/JP)