Gordon Lyons
East Antrim · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Implementing other recommendations will require further legislation that, I trust, will come in the next mandate, but I can confirm that 60 of the recommendations have already been separately addressed by either the Department or the commission. I hope that that answers his questions.”
“Yes, I do and am happy to share those. The issue has been raised in the Chamber and through Assembly questions. My position is that we want to make it simple and straightforward for people.”
“They also introduce greater flexibility in financial reporting, allowing requirements to be tailored more appropriately, reducing burdens on smaller organisations and ensuring that the system can adapt over time through secondary legislation.”
“If they want to constitute as a Northern Ireland-only charity, they are able to do that, if they believe that that will bring certain benefits.”
“That is similar to what we are trying to do with trustees. Even though you leave your position as a trustee or your position as someone who holds an office in a charity or who has employment in the office, the commissioner will still be able to make a determination that says, "Even though you have left, we are still making this order to t…”
“I do not believe that it was. That was maybe picked up wrong. We are happy to look at and explore that, but that is the information that I have on it. Again, we will have the Committee Stage of the legislation, so we can look into that then.”
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“If we want to reduce the social housing waiting list in Northern Ireland, we need to increase supply across all 10 years. That is what today's announcement is about. It is what we are achieving.”
“I am happy to publish any of the analysis that has been done. However, when we put 300 new homes on the market for people who have not otherwise been able to avail themselves of homes in the private rented market because of the cost, it is inevitable that a large number of them will be on the social housing waiting list, and probably very far down it, because the housing problems that we face in Northern Ireland can be summed up in one issue: supply. By creating the affordable rent programme, taking no money out of the social housing development programme but using financial transactions capital and private investment, we are increasing supply. Three hundred homes represents a great start, but there is so much more to do.”
“It is new, innovative and does not affect the social housing development programme. It will take no resource away from that. I want to keep putting investment into that programme, absolutely, but here is something new that will work and will deliver for people in the Member's constituency within a matter of weeks because of the decisions that I have taken on coming into this office. Let us ramp it up and ensure that we continue to have a spread across Northern Ireland.”
“I am grateful to the Member for her kind comments. I am pleased that we are seeing the scheme rolled out not just in a small number of locations but across Northern Ireland. In fact, in the initial tranche, eight of the 11 council areas in Northern Ireland will have access to some of the affordable rent accommodation that we have announced today. <BR /> <BR />We have need throughout Northern Ireland. Yes, absolutely, there are higher numbers in some places, but, across Northern Ireland, the need is now consistently high in places where people are struggling. I am committed to making sure that we get a balance and spread and that the programme is not restricted to certain areas. I want to see it ramped up across Northern Ireland so that we deliver more and more.”
“That is the fairest way to do it, because everybody will be eligible in the same way. It is not the same as social housing; it will not be done on a points basis. However, the process can absolutely be kept under review. That is why we have 300 homes in the first place: lots of things are being done differently. It is important to note that this is the first time that such a programme has been offered in Northern Ireland. I want to make sure that it is done in the fairest way possible. The information that we have right now is that random selection is the best way to do it, but, of course, I want to keep it all under review, because I want to see the programme massively scaled up so that it can help many more people. We will keep it under review.”
“I thank the Member for his comments. I am pleased, as is a Member behind me, that the first tranche of homes will be in Dungannon. It is important to note that we have pushed the programme forward so that we are not just talking about policy development but about homes that have been built and are ready for allocation. I look forward to that proceeding. <BR /> <BR />We have had extensive conversations about how we ensure that the people who need the homes most will get them. We will have an application process through which an individual will have to demonstrate that they can afford to pay the rent; that, for example, social housing is not the best option; and that the programme is right for them. After that, there will be a random selection process, because demand will almost certainly outstrip supply.”
“This scheme is one part of that, and it is small to start off with, but I want to make sure that it grows, as well as doing the other things that I have outlined today.”
“First, I welcome the Member's comments on the scheme. The simple answer to his question is yes, we are absolutely looking at need. We want to make sure that the money that we invest, whether it is from our own capital budget or, in this instance, financial transactions capital, goes to where it can make most difference. He will be glad to hear that the answer to the question is a simple one: the scheme will help areas that are most in need. <BR /> <BR />The Member will be aware that his constituency of Foyle is one of the areas where we have greatest housing demand. That is why, in the first phase, an additional 60 homes will be made available in his constituency. There are huge waiting lists, and I want to do more to make sure that we tackle the overall need for housing.”
“In the meantime, urgent engagement continues between officials on the means to secure the financial viability of the Housing Executive and identify an interim solution to its investment need. I fully intend to make good on the commitments that I have made in this place and, in the supply strategy, to make sure that every household can have access to a quality, affordable and sustainable home that is appropriate for their needs and located in a thriving and inclusive community. That is what the new affordable rent homes will do. Ultimately, the programme is about more than bricks and mortar. It is about giving people security, providing stability and helping hard-pressed individuals and families to build a better future. I look forward to updating the House further as delivery progresses. I commend the statement to the House.”
“While there is some impact from that in the current Budget proposals, it is still not enough. That is why I have proposed to secure public-sector land instead of grant. The reviews of grant and design and the range of measures being explored or introduced will complement the SHDP in moving towards the housing supply targets. The measures include the New Foundations initiative, Housing Executive acquisitions and the housing supply action plan, which is now with the Executive. <BR /> <BR />I secured the major achievement of a commitment from the UK Government to consider Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) borrowing as part of the Northern Ireland fiscal framework discussions.”
“At the beginning of 2025-26, the outlook for the social housing development programme (SHDP) was poor, with a budget that would have achieved only 1,100 new social homes. I secured a further £42 million, resulting in the largest-ever investment in the social housing development programme, and achieved 1,765 new social home starts, representing a 17% increase in delivery year-on-year. There are now more than 6,000 new social homes under construction across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Looking forward, we need to do more. We need to secure more budget much earlier. In December 2025, £29 million was as much extra funding as the programme could absorb once in-year funding became available. I have, therefore, repeatedly pressed the Executive to earmark more funding for the SHDP.”
“Shared ownership delivery through the Northern Ireland Co-ownership Housing Association is being expanded and plays a key role in enabling first-time buyers, in particular, to access affordable homeownership. Its over-55s scheme provides an important additional element of choice for people to move to homes that better suit their needs as they get older. <BR /> <BR />I continue to press at every opportunity for us to prioritise accessing the necessary capital funding to deliver the social homes that we need.”
“It aligns with the objectives of the housing supply strategy to increase supply, broaden choice and ensure that people have access to the housing that they need. Over time, it will reduce pressure on our social housing waiting list, as households that meet the criteria can access affordable housing. It also reflects my personal commitment, as Minister, to increase housing stock, use the resources available as effectively as possible and adopt new approaches where they can make a difference. <BR /> <BR />My commitment goes far beyond the delivery of that new type of affordable housing for rent. The housing supply strategy seeks to accelerate the delivery of housing supply over the coming years.”
“That is intended to direct the tenancies to households that need them and can derive the most benefit from what is being offered. <BR /> <BR />There is no doubt that this type of housing is badly needed. Too many people are caught in the gap between being unable to access social housing and being unable to afford the cost of living in the private rental market. The programme is a direct response to that challenge. Let me be clear: this is only the beginning. Work is already under way to expand delivery beyond the initial 300 homes. My ambition is to see the model grow and play a meaningful role in addressing housing supply and housing need across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Alongside continued investment in social housing, the funding demonstrates a practical and innovative approach.”
“The first homes, which will be on the Old Eglish Road in Dungannon, are expected to be available to rent from later this summer, and I can confirm that advertising for those properties will begin shortly via the Maple and May website. <BR /> <BR />The programme is about providing real options for people. It will give people and families access to more affordable rents, greater stability and a genuine opportunity to plan ahead, whether that is about saving towards homeownership or simply securing a suitable, affordable home while waiting for access to social housing. Access to the homes will be fair, transparent and consistent. Eligibility criteria for a tenancy have been clearly set out in my Department’s policy. For example, households with a single adult must earn below £30,000, and those with two adults must earn below £40,000.”
“The first scheme will be in Dungannon, where 15 two- and three-bedroom homes are being built alongside social housing. That will be the first mixed-tenure development of its kind in Northern Ireland. My goodness, even the Chairman of the Communities Committee is smiling; there is another moment for the history books. As this and other schemes near completion, they will be advertised by Maple and May for rent, and eligible households can apply for a tenancy. Those tenancies are deliberately targeted towards lower-income households to maximise impact. Further schemes will follow in this financial year in Newry, Craigavon and Lisburn, and additional locations are planned, including Belfast and Londonderry, as part of an expanded roll-out next year.”
“The homes delivered under the programme will be high-quality, new-build properties located across Northern Ireland. They will form part of mixed-tenure developments, as well as stand-alone schemes, helping to create balanced, sustainable communities where people can put down roots. Critically, the homes will be offered for rents at least 20% below local market levels. That is a meaningful saving for working households. Rents can be uplifted only once annually, in line with legislation on the private rented sector, with an effective cap in place. Homes will be targeted at lower-income households, and, alongside that affordability, tenants will benefit from greater security through longer tenancies in high-quality, well-maintained homes and access to support services when they need them. <BR /> <BR />I turn to delivery.”
“An initial investment from my Department will act as a catalyst, leveraging substantial private capital alongside additional private revenue investment from Maple and May. Together, those bring the total value of the funding programme to more than £122 million over the 25-year loan term. Importantly, because it is loan funding, it allows me to continue to prioritise my capital budget towards grant funding for social housing, therefore maximising every available resource towards the delivery of new homes.”
“Members will recall my previous announcement on this important initiative, when Maple and May was selected to act as the first affordable rent operator. I can now confirm that, since then, terms have been agreed and £61·5 million of FTC loan funding has been formally awarded to support delivery. That is a significant milestone and the next step towards those homes becoming available for rent. It means that we are moving from policy ambition to real, tangible delivery, providing the homes that people across Northern Ireland desperately need. In the coming weeks, the first scheme will be open for applications under the Maple and May affordable rent brand. <BR /> <BR />The programme represents a strong and innovative public-private partnership.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I welcome the opportunity to update Members on the progress of the affordable rent programme. I am pleased to announce that I have made an award of £61·5 million of financial transactions capital (FTC) loan funding to Maple and May. I can also now provide information on the locations where we will see the first affordable homes of this type delivered in Northern Ireland.”
“We all know that Sinn Féin's relationship with the truth is distant at best, but we are getting into crazy territory. It is the last party that should speak about violence. My job is to make sure that the Housing Executive has what it needs. I will continue to do that and to make sure that that support is in place. The approach that Sinn Féin has taken is disgraceful.”
“I am there to support the front-line staff. I do not do the job myself, but I need to make sure that the policies and procedures are in place. I have also taken the time to speak to those who have been affected. That is why it is so disgraceful that we have seen other parties attack in that way again and again. We know, however, that Sinn Féin has form when it comes to that, because the Chair of the Committee has been caught out before in what he said about the Place-Name Project. He made that up. He completely made that up. He has made up more accusations this afternoon.”
“Absolutely. I was involved in the past few days in ensuring that the Housing Executive had the resources that it needed. I also activated the financial assistance scheme to make sure that any additional support that was needed for the voluntary and community sector was provided.”
“He says that he asked me a question. I furnished him with an answer, but I also took the opportunity to expose his hypocrisy, and I will continue to do so.”
“The next time that he pontificates, maybe he should think about his own actions.”
“Shawn Michael Tillman was bailed out on a misdemeanour, and, less than a month later, he murdered a man by shooting him multiple times. We are often frustrated by Mr Tennyson's hypocrisy. That is exactly what I am referring to.”
“Christopher Boswell, a twice-convicted rapist, was released on bail and then faced new charges of kidnapping, assault and two cases of sexual assault.”
“Let us look at his $20 donation that helped to bail out George Howard, who had been bailed out on a domestic assault charge and was arrested and later convicted of second-degree murder in a road rage shooting.”
“I absolutely acknowledge the role of the voluntary and community sector. We want to do everything that we can to make sure that that support is in place. We will look at that, as we do after every significant event, and ensure that we can improve on what has gone on in the past. The voluntary and community sector has its role to play. and the public sector has its role to play. However, we also need to focus on making sure that we deal with the violence that we see on our streets. That needs to come to an end. <BR /> <BR />It is hypocritical of the Member to make some of the comments that he made about those who were involved in rioting, given that he is someone who gave a donation to the Minnesota freedom fund in 2020.”
“Sorry, but I do not agree that that is the case. We have certainly seen the voluntary and community sector play a significant role over the past number of days and in various crises that we have faced over many years. That is absolutely the case. However, the Member's question does a disservice to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and other public-sector organisations, including councils, that work very hard to assist those who are in need and to provide the help and support that is so often required. We had some staff who worked all weekend and others who worked long hours to source accommodation, assistance and support. It is wrong for the Member to characterise it in the way that he did.”
“I take the opportunity to pay tribute to Cheryl Brownlee and her team for a fantastic event. There were thousands of people in attendance. It was a family day with music, pageantry and historical re-enactment. It was fantastic to see. We need more of that. That has been able to develop as a result of the support that we give to the Ulster-Scots Agency, and through our musical instruments programme. <BR /> <BR />I urge Sinn Féin to end its hostility towards cultures that it may not agree with. It has been on open display here. I agree with what the Member rightly said, and I hope that Sinn Féin will be more progressive in its attitude. Let us get rid of the hostility.”
“The Member is absolutely right. We have seen outright hostility from Sinn Féin on those issues, and especially from the Chairman of the Committee for Communities and the Deputy Chair. Sinn Féin has shown publicly disregard and hostility towards our marching bands and other musical instruments programme recipients, Ulster Scots and the connections with America250. Often, that party accuses me of many things, yet those Members are the only ones who have shown open hostility to any cultural organisations. It is very disappointing that they have done that. <BR /> <BR />We can see the benefits of that funding in our community. I had the pleasure of being at the UK Pipe Band Championships in north Belfast on Saturday. I was also at the Royal Landing event in Carrickfergus.”
“Oftentimes, those facilities are not up to scratch. They are not as they should be. The fund goes some way to allowing those organisations to continue their work and, in some cases, to expand their work even further. That is good use of public money and good collaboration between Departments. We need to see that continue.”
“I have been very pleased with the response to the Northern Ireland community infrastructure fund. It was oversubscribed, which tells you a little bit about how much demand is out there in all parts of Northern Ireland for that fund. It is also a positive example of how two Departments can work together to deliver for communities across Northern Ireland. I am pleased to inform the Member that 521 applicants made it through to stage 2 of the process, and 243 community facilities were successful with funding. Moving forward, I am now working at pace to launch that as a baseline scheme. I welcome Mr Buchanan's continued support for that as well. It is another opportunity for us to highlight the importance of the community and voluntary sector and the work that it does every single day in facilities across Northern Ireland.”
“That sort of intimidation and violence benefits no one at all. I am very clear and robust on that, despite the attempts of others to misinterpret the situation and the work that my Department — the Department that is under my direction and control — has been involved in. Often, there is more that we would like to do, but our teams have been working non-stop. I have been getting those regular updates. I have instructed my team to ensure that the Housing Executive gets the support that it needs as well. We have had joined-up coordination on that. I hope that people will actually look at how we can resolve the issues that we are talking about rather than just engage in silly political attacks.”
“First of all, I am genuinely disappointed that Mr Durkan has jumped on —. Regardless of whether it is "perceived" or not and whether he uses that word or not, he has made a cheap political point. He said that he wanted an end to the Punch and Judy style of politics, and then he jumped straight in on that. That is really poor on his behalf. He should reflect on that. It was not the right thing to lead off with in his questions. <BR /> <BR />The second thing that he needs to do is differentiate between those who were engaged in legitimate and peaceful protests and those who were engaged in violence. It is not right that the two are put into the same category, because they are not the same. It is not right that that happens. As I have said in the past and will say again: the destruction of people's homes does not benefit anyone.”
“That has been to the benefit of all their collective responsibilities and roles.”
“Where people are in emergency situations, advice can be provided. We have provided support to the voluntary and community sector, as I know that that sector will provide assistance. Last week, I activated the scheme on emergency financial assistance, which provides support to councils as they respond to recent events to mitigate the impact of the emergency. That scheme is effective from 9 June and will remain in operation until the situation resolves. That will include reimbursement to voluntary and community sector organisations that councils have engaged in response to the emergency. My officials have been in regular contact with Mears and the Home Office. There is strong and effective engagement between Mears and the PSNI and, indeed, Mears and a range of statutory partners.”
“Again, I place on record my thanks to all the staff in the Housing Executive and, indeed, in the community and voluntary sector who have done so much over the past number of days to help those in need. What happened was absolutely horrendous. I have spoken to people who have been affected, including those who have had their businesses damaged and those from ethnic minority communities who are terrified at what has taken place. I want to be very clear, as I have been already, that the events were wrong and should never have happened. <BR /> <BR />Of course, some people will be entitled to support, and they will get it through the work of the Housing Executive and the support systems that are in place. However, we know that there are also those who do not have recourse to public funds.”
“<BR /> <BR />As reported, by 5.00 pm on Sunday 14 June, 86 households had presented to the Housing Executive citing civil unrest, and 26 of those were requests for temporary accommodation. As a result of contact with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, those figures include 16 households being supported by Participation and the Practice of Rights and an additional 37 households being supported by other organisations.”
“Yes, absolutely. While we understand that people are rightly horrified about what happened in north Belfast last Monday, nothing can excuse the violence and disorder that we witnessed in the days and nights that followed. Everyone has the right to peaceful protest, but, sadly, there are people who are intent on destroying the communities that they claim that they are there to serve. That is absolutely wrong. My staff in the Department and those in the Housing Executive have been working around the clock to ensure that the people who have been displaced are cared for and supported. That has not been an easy task, and I put on record my thanks for all their efforts to assist those who most need help.”
“— for political gain, and that is disgusting.”
“Unlike the Member opposite, I will never condone violence. I have always been against violence, and my party has always been against it. Whereas Sinn Féin is opposed to violence — sometimes. It is opposed to intimidation — sometimes. Of course, it believes that, in certain circumstances, there is no alternative to violence. <BR /> <BR />I say this to Mr Gildernew: I see your hypocrisy. I see exactly what you are doing. I see exactly what you are all about, and you are nothing but a disgrace because of what you have attempted to do. You have attempted to use the circumstances of the past few days —”
“It is not nonsense. I was at the Executive, and then I had other appointments in the diary. The Member publicly complained because I did not come to the Committee meeting. He tried to further politicise the situation this morning. <BR /> <BR />I can be very clear that I am against all violence and intimidation, regardless of where it comes from. I signed a statement with my Executive colleagues, and my position on violence and intimidation is crystal clear. I do not need, in any way, to look at my remarks and dance around them because, unlike the Member opposite, I always condemn violence.”
“He has done nothing but politicise the situation since it started. The Member knew that I was going to be at an Executive meeting to update my colleagues and that I would not be able to attend the hastily arranged Committee meeting.”
“First, the Member is an absolute disgrace.”
“Absolutely. I know whose side I am on in that. If there is a perpetrator and a victim, I will always be on the victim's side, as we all should be. I have set out the work that the Housing Executive continues to do, but we will also look at the additional supports that can be made available that may already be in place elsewhere. We will always learn from best practice, because what some people have had to go through is absolutely horrendous. We want to make sure we provide all the support that we can. A lot of time, effort and energy go into doing our best, but we can always look at areas for improvement, and I commit to doing that.”
“When the work concludes, the proposals will be implemented within the Housing Executive's timescale for the review in Spring 2027. The Housing Executive has also delivered against its domestic abuse action plan, which includes raising the profile of the sanctuary scheme, a multi-agency initiative to enable households at risk of domestic abuse to remain safely in their homes rather than present as homeless. The Supporting People programme also plays a key role in helping victims of domestic abuse access and sustain safe housing. Through that programme, we fund refuges and community-based floating support services specifically for women who have been forced to leave their homes. In 2025-26, that included over £3 million for 14 refuges and over £2 million for community support services.”
“I have been proactive in taking decisions to improve support for victims of domestic abuse. I removed intimidation points from the housing selection scheme and ended the overriding priority that intimidation had over other forms of violence or abuse. That has ensured that all victims of violence, or people who are at risk of violence or abuse, for any reason, including domestic abuse, can access the same categories of points in the scheme. That has levelled the playing field for all those seeking housing as a result of abuse, trauma or violence. <BR /> <BR />I also tasked the Housing Executive to review the primary social needs criteria and points, including those awarded for victims of violent abuse and trauma.”
“I am happy to tell the Member that the project is progressing well, with procurement to appoint a contractor at an advanced stage. Subject to the completion of that process, it is anticipated that a contract will be awarded over the summer, with work expected to commence on-site in the autumn. As with all capital projects, further progress will depend on the availability of funding. The Member has frequently reminded me of the project's importance, so I look forward to seeing real progress being made.”