To ask the Minister for Communities to outline the legislative process and indicative timeframe for the continuation of the welfare mitigation package; and whether there will be a gap between the current welfare mitigation package ending and the new legislation being passed.

I will be seeking Executive agreement to bring forward a Bill to reform the Welfare Reform Order beyond 31 March 2020. Officials are currently working as a priority to ensure all necessary arrangements are in place by 31st March 2020 with regards to passing the necessary subordinate legislation to extend the welfare mitigation package. An indicative timeframe for the passing of the required legislation is still being finalised.

Should there be any issue with passing legislation through the Assembly by 31st March 2020 officials are also working to ensure that there will be no gap in mitigation payments.