An Ulster Unionist Party assembly member has called for "a coordinated, pro-active" campaign to tackle the growing problem of homelessness.

Lagan Valley MLA Ivan Davis cited a recent report for the Northern Ireland Assembly which indicated that cases of homelessness in Northern Ireland are higher than in the rest of the UK – and are continuing to grow.

Mr Davis has tabled questions to the Department of Education and the Department of Employment and Learning, asking what measures are being taken to highlight the problem of homelessness.

He said: “The issue of homelessness is dealt with by the Department for Social Development. However, as the report highlighted, the issue of homelessness is not simplistic, but rather, it is extremely complex.

“It is a matter for many different departments of government and they all need to work together in a coordinated and pro-active campaign to stop this problem increasing.”

Responding to Mr Davis’s question, the Department of Education said: “Schools are able to educate young people about the issue of homelessness within the current curriculum, for example, as part of Personal and Social Education. In addition, the Department has provided support to the Simon Community to help with their work with young homeless people.

“In particular, the Department has part-funded Simon’s Peer Education Programme, which involves young people who currently are, or have been, homeless visiting schools and youth clubs to raise awareness about the practical implications for young people of leaving home.”

Mr Davis concluded by saying it was important that young people were educated on the problems and issues surrounding homelessness if the matter was to be tackled effectively.

(MB)