Northern Ireland's new Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has outlined his key priorities to "deliver positive change for people in Northern Ireland".

Minster Lyons said: "I am honoured to be appointed as Minister for Communities. This department has a vital role to play in our society, providing high quality services to individuals and families, as well as supporting the voluntary and community sector, culture, heritage, local government, regeneration and sport.

"My key priority is to deliver real, positive and lasting change for the people in Northern Ireland."

The Minister continued: "My strategic focus is on those programmes and policies that are transformative for people’s lives and for our society.

"There is a huge task ahead, particularly due to the budgetary constraints, but I am up for the challenge. I will be looking carefully at every pound spent to make sure it goes to those who need it most and to deliver positive impact for people.

"That will include big issues like housing, so that people can have access to safe, warm and affordable homes, and major projects across the sports portfolio.  It also means continuing with initiatives to boost employability and promote regeneration across Northern Ireland.

"Over the coming weeks I will be actively engaging with all stakeholders and partners I look forward to getting out to see initiatives at first hand and hearing a wide range of views and experiences.

"As I said when I took up my post, I believe this is an Executive which has to be marked by delivery. I will play my part to the full extent to realise opportunities for all the people of Northern Ireland."