To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether his Department has considered repair cafés as a tool for community regeneration and skills development.

My Department supports the Northern Ireland Resources Network (NIRN) in promoting skills development and community-led repair and reuse initiatives.

NIRN helps individuals and communities develop practical skills, such as repairing household items, using tools, and upcycling. These skills can also open pathways to employment or volunteering which help to stimulate local economies and contribute to community regeneration.