To ask the Minister for Communities whether he will consider launching a similar scheme to the Universal Support scheme that has recently launched in Great Britain.

My Department has a range of employability provisions to support people to move closer, into, sustain and progress in work. This operates in conjunction with other supports delivered by Central and Local Government, and the Voluntary and Community Sector.

My officials are working with colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions to gain a greater understanding of Universal Support and the help it will provide to overcome barriers to entering or staying in employment. I will consider the outcome of these discussions and the resources required to implement Universal Support when my Department’s budget position has been confirmed.