Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has today given her commitment to explore in greater detail areas of mutual interest, including research, on a North-South basis.

The minister made the commitment when delivering a keynote speech in Cork today to leading housing experts from throughout the island of Ireland.

The theme of the conference was 'Shared Future', a key tenet of Margaret Ritchie's New Housing Agenda. Batt O'Keefe TD, Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the Republic of Ireland, also addressed the conference.

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Margaret Ritchie said: "I want to explore in greater detail areas of mutual interest in housing, including research, on a North-South basis. I have asked my officials to take this forward and report back to me at the earliest possible opportunity.

"Minister O'Keefe and I want to ensure that housing continues to be a priority throughout the island of Ireland."

Commenting on the theme of the conference, Shared Future, the Minister also said a Shared Future as something she believes in "passionately" but "it has to be built".

She detailed plans to convert many existing social housing developments to 'Shared Future' status, explaining this was "where tenants and owner occupiers will pledge their neighbourhoods in a spirit of co-operation, respect and mutual support".

"But it is not simply about bringing together different political traditions. It is also about mixing our economic and social backgrounds, ensuring that social and affordable housing is not stigmatised."

The Minister concluded by highlighting the need for leadership: "Having a shared future in housing needs leadership. Let us commit ourselves to building a shared future on this island."

(JM/KMcA)