Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“I was surprised to learn – through my position on the Social Development Committee – that “Make the Call”, a scheme aimed at improving benefit take up, had developed a close relationship with the GAA.
“During the first two years of its operation “Make the Call” forged close links with the GAA while other cultural and sporting organisations were either ignored or are due to be added now as an afterthought.
“Given that the GAA is, by its own definition, a Nationalist organisation I am concerned that there has been no attempt to reach out to the Unionist community in a similar fashion. That this has been allowed to develop while DSD is headed by a DUP Minister makes the situation all the more bizarre.
“Yesterday the DSD Committee was to be briefed on the issue but, due to the absence of the DUP members, the committee did not reach quorum until after the officials had finished briefing us. As a result my questioning of why this has been allowed to take place was not broadcast.
“However, I do not intend to let the matter rest and have today tabled a number of questions to the DSD Minister.
“Of course everyone who is genuinely entitled to benefits should be claiming them but it is vitally important that all sections of our community are advised of what is available.”
Note to editors
Mr Allister’s questions to the Minister are as follows:
For priority written answer within 2 days: To ask DSD why in respect of “Make the Call” has the Improving Benefit Uptake initiative during its first two years of operation involved preferential engagement with the GAA, with no parallel focus in respect of those within the unionist community.
To ask DSD in respect of “Make the Call”, as part of the Improving Benefit Uptake initiative, can the minister list the entirety of the engagement during its first two years of operation with the GAA.
To ask DSD in respect of “Make the Call”, as part of the Improving Benefit Uptake initiative, can the minister list the entirety of the engagement during its first two years of operation with community organisations, naming each organisation engaged and the extent of that engagement.