To ask the Minister for Communities how her Department has ensured that projects under the Together: Building a United Community strategy are inclusive of all societal groups beyond the two traditionally largest communities.

My Department is responsible for delivery of two of the headline actions under the T:BUC Strategy, the Uniting Communities through sport and creativity programme and the creation of 10 new shared neighbourhood developments.

In relation to the Uniting Communities through sport and creativity programme, my officials carry out sustained stakeholder engagement prior to delivery in each geographical area which includes local Councils, PSNI, schools, clubs and churches. This approach establishes a network of local community links and provides a solid platform from which to reach out to all young people and promote the cross community and inclusiveness aspects of the programme.

To bolster this approach the appointed delivery partner for each area is required to demonstrate that their action plan ensures that the numbers of young people participating is representative of the area in terms of gender, ethnicity, religious background and disability. To remove barriers to participation training and activity sessions are fully accessible to all young people for the duration of the programme and at no cost.

A key element of the Uniting Communities through sport and creativity programme is the T:BUC Uniting Opportunities Grant Scheme which funds short-term intervention projects that support marginalised young people in the following groups: Young and Homeless, Young Refugees and Asylum Seekers, Young People in Care, Young People with a Disability, Young People with Poor Mental Health and/or Addictions, Young Offenders (and young people most at risk of offending) and Young people at risk of rural isolation.

In relation to housing the 10 shared schemes have been completed and the housing units have been allocated using the Housing Selection Scheme which allocates social housing on the basis of objective housing need.

The shared schemes are supported through five-year Good Relations Plans which include projects and events which are delivered between the new shared residents and residents from the surrounding communities within a five-mile radius. The Plans are developed and supported by Advisory Groups comprising residents, local stakeholders and statutory bodies. The funding available is non prescriptive allowing flexibility to deliver good relations activities which best meet the needs of all participating communities.