The Department for Social Development Minister is being urged to apologise to four contractors after it was revealed that his claims into overcharging the NI Housing Executive (NIHE) were incorrect.

Four firms were accused of overcharging the Housing Executive of £18 million, however three contractors will pay back £670,000 and the other contractor is owed money from the Housing Executive.

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Alliance Social Development spokesperson, Stewart Dickson MLA, is calling for the Minister to make a full apology.

He said: "Nelson McCausland owes these companies a full apology. Their reputations were tarnished by his claims, something that the Minister has not acknowledged.

"He needs to admit that he should not have made such serious claims without properly checking the facts surrounding this issue.

"I believe the Minister's position is under threat, as this issue follows the Social Development Committee's report which found he misled the Assembly over a double glazing contract. It is surprising that the Minister refuses to apologise when he makes such serious mistakes."

(CD/MH)