Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie has heard concerns raised by Executive colleague and south Down MLA Caitríona Ruane regarding the lack of social housing being built in her constituency.

The Sinn Féin assemblywoman also said there was inadequate support currently available for homeless people, especially those with mental health issues.

Ms Ruane said the talks focused on the "dire shortage" of social housing that is impacting on towns and villages across south Down.

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"I made clear at this meeting, that Minister Ritchie needs to be doing more to provide supported living for the most vulnerable members’ of our community including people with mental healthcare issues and those who for a variety of reasons themselves homeless," said Ms Ruane.

She said over recent years there has been growing evidence that the NIHE is seeking to concentrate their resources on those households who are assessed as Full Duty Applicants (FDAs) under the homelessness legislation.

Ms Ruane said the use of private rented accommodation is not sustainable due to market forces and local housing allowance levels.

(PR/JM)