To ask the Minister for Social Development, in light of the recent comments by the former Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, Dr Maurice Hayes, whether he will restrict his interaction with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to the Board or the Chief Executive.

In my role as Minister for Social Development I meet regularly with the Chairman and the Chief Executive of the Housing Executive to discuss both strategic and operational issues. However, there are also meetings, in my role as Minister, when it is entirely appropriate and normal protocol for the relevant departmental and Housing Executive officials, who have responsibility for the area under discussion, to attend meetings with me in order to provide appropriate advice.