To ask the Minister for Communities what discussions she has had with the Minister of Finance regarding proposals to deliver shared housing funded by the £500m funding for shared and integrated education.

Shared Housing is an important part of the overall housing programme my Department is committed to delivering. In that regard, officials from my Department have engaged with colleagues in DoF to avail of the financial flexibilities which allow Fresh Start funding for shared and integrated education to be used for the delivery of Shared Housing.

DoF has transferred approximately £16.9m funding this financial year. This includes a capital allocation of £14.4m to support the building of homes and £2.5m resource which will support the delivery of Good Relations plans within those neighbourhoods and the local community. My Department is currently delivering 36 shared housing schemes through the Shared Housing Programme and this additional funding will allow that programme to expand in response to public appetite for shared neighbourhoods.