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Northern Ireland Office

Answer

Mr. Worthington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what (a) policy and (b) discussion papers he has issued since the "targeting social need" policy was adopted by the Government; how this policy was to be implemented; and what were the reasons behind that approach. [10940] Mr. Ancram: The "targeting social need" initiative has sought to direct resources towards Northern Ireland's most disadvantaged areas and people, objectively defined as being in greatest need, irrespective of community background. A major effect of this should be to reduce socio-economic differentials between Protestants and Catholics. This approach was taken because of statistical evidence of greater levels of deprivation among Catholics than among Protestants, though socio-economic disadvantage exists on both sides of the community. The targeting social need approach has been reflected in a range of strategy documents and discussion papers published by Northern Ireland Departments in recent years on their social and economic policies. Examples include the Department of Economic Development's publication "Growing Competitively", May 1995, and the Department of the Environment's "Making Belfast Work" strategy document, March 1995. Published research papers on patterns of disadvantage and community differentials have also helped in applying the initiative.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

10940; 288 c657W

Session

1996-97

Subjects

Government departments Northern Ireland Poverty Publications Social policy