Sinn Féin is calling for a "selection scheme" to be established to deal with the housing issue in Northern Ireland.

Fra McCann MLA said a new approach is needed to address all housing matters.

He said: "We must focus on equality for all sections of our community and the distribution of resources to areas of highest housing need.

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"We need a commitment to increase the numbers of social houses being built to deal with high waiting lists.

"We also need a selection scheme to ensure people are not trapped in homelessness such as over crowding and hostels.

"Support is required for home owners who because of their financial circumstances see the fabric of their home deteriorate and young people who find themselves squeezed out of social housing into the arms of an unregulated private rented sector.

"I would encourage people to join local residents associations and we need housing providers to champion real partnerships with communities to better the quality of life of their tenants."

(CD/LM)