To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether a review of NI Water's objectives has been carried out to ensure they are aligned to the key priorities contained in the Programme for Government, such as new housing and support for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.

Effective water and sewerage infrastructure is central to the delivery of Programme for Government outcomes in terms of providing more social, affordable and sustainable housing, protecting Lough Neagh and the environment and growing a globally competitive and sustainable economy.

In relation to protecting Lough Neagh, NI Water has invested £60m in its infrastructure in the first 4 years of PC21 and has committed a further £36m in the remaining 3 years of the Price Control.

In terms of enabling housing connections, since autumn 2024, my Department has provided an additional £30m of capital funding to enable the unlocking of wastewater capacity for 5,300 additional domestic and non-domestic properties across the North. This is above the 4,300 properties that NI Water originally planned to connect, if fully funded, by the end of this Price Control Period in 2028.

I am steadfast in my commitment to ensuring that NI Water deliver the vital infrastructure to achieve the Programme Government outcomes and I will continue to work with my Executive colleagues to deliver for all.