Ms Jackie Harrington:

Correct. Saying that, however, the policy generally has been that it is better if that is how it is administered in normal circumstances. I appreciate that we are in very difficult circumstances at the moment in terms of supply. If a person is established in an area, they are better off on the social housing list for that area if they want to continue to stay there. Otherwise the individual could end up missing out as they develop links and so on. That has generally been the policy but there has been increased flexibility.

I would request that committee members bring it to our attention if they know of a case in which a person has been treated incorrectly or unduly harshly by the Department in this regard. I am aware that there is increased flexibility but also that it would be to the benefit of the individual to be on the housing list for the area in which he or she is residing.