The Alliance Party has called on the Department for Social Development (DSD) and the Health Service to "step up" over the homeless issue in Northern Ireland.

Alliance Councillor Emmet McDonough Brown said the death of another homeless person in Belfast City Centre highlights the lack of a joined-up approach in dealing with the issue.

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Councillor Emmet McDonough Brown said: "It is absolutely heart-breaking to learn of another person dying on the streets of Belfast.

"Belfast City Council's role is limited when it comes to dealing with these issues and this latest death highlights again the failure of Executive departments to tackle what is clearly a cross-cutting issue.

"While Belfast City Council continues to support those services making a difference, the Department for Social Development and the Health Service must step up and work together to close the current gap. Crucially, they must resource it also."

(CD/JP)