Officials at the Department of Social Development have insisted that Minister Margaret Ritchie's plans for more social and affordable housing remain on course.

Concerns were raised to the DSD yesterday as news emerged that 450 jobs are to go at the Northern Ireland Housing Executive over the next three years, as well as the recent decision by the Northern Ireland Co-Ownership Housing Association to stop accepting applications.

It was feared that these developments would place the Minister's housing plans in jeopardy. Just last month Ms Ritchie unveiled plans to reduce the number of people on housing waiting lists, tackle homelessness and help to get people first rung of the property ladder.

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A DSD statement said: "The Department wishes to make absolutely clear that all of the plans set out by the minister in her statement to the Assembly on the New Housing Agenda are still very much in place.

"In particular, there will be no relaxation of the targets for new social and affordable housing.

"The recent announcement by the Housing Executive about efficiency savings is an operational matter for the Housing Executive and will have no adverse impact on the minister's housing agenda.

"As for co-ownership, the Northern Ireland Co-ownership Housing Association has received a huge financial increase since the minister took office and many people are benefiting. Given the unprecedented level of demand for co-ownership support, the minister will be looking for additional funding as and when opportunities present.

"The Department can state that the Minister's targets relating to co-ownership will continue to be met."

(VB/JM)