The Advisory Panel of Independent Experts appointed to help in the drive to improve the availability of affordable housing, have met for the first time.

NI Assembly Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie chaired the meeting, which she described as "another important step towards addressing the issues that could improve the supply of social and affordable housing."

Ms Ritchie continued: "This is a massive challenge and making progress will be helped by the expert input of these professionals who are involved with the many aspects of housing on a daily basis.

"I have made securing investment for housing one of my top priorities because I believe that everyone has a right to a decent and affordable home. We will address the very pertinent proposals made in Sir John Semple's report into affordable housing and the Advisory Panel will play a significant role in helping me and the Inter-departmental Group do this, thus making a real difference for the people of Northern Ireland.

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"I have asked Professor Alastair Adair to chair future meetings of the Panel and I am grateful that he has accepted this role."

Professor Alastair Adair is the Head of School of the Built Environment, University of Ulster and is involved in the Quarterly House Price Index reports. Other members include academics, representatives from the financial and voluntary housing sectors, statutory bodies and the construction industry.

The Minister added: "We will be working hard over the next few months to do all that we can to identify how we can secure the additional investment needed to resolve this problem. As work progresses, there will be opportunities to engage with the public and their representatives through a range of consultative processes.

"I believe that the priority given to this matter by the Executive and by the Assembly is a real and positive demonstration of the value of our devolved government."

(JM/SP)