The minister said there had been "great leadership" from the housing executive for four decades in turning around the standard of housing in NI.

BBC: Attwood expects Red Sky report in 3 weeks

Planned changes to housing benefit will cost NI more money than it saves, two housing associations have claimed.

BBC: NI 'can't afford the damage' caused by benefit changes

He said the amount "came largely from the NI Housing Executive and the Social Security Agency".

BBC: Stormont ministers criticised over ?42m in unspent funds

He added that in those areas where Protestants were under-represented the situation was not improving, in particular he cited the NI Housing Executive.

BBC: Public Sector Recruitment

The housing benefit changes will affect 32, 000 people in Northern Ireland, and the NI Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) and Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) are calling for the proposals to be dropped.

BBC: NI 'can't afford the damage' caused by benefit changes

The changes will impact on thousands in NI and affect disability living allowance, housing benefit and employment support.

BBC: NI Assembly backs Welfare Reform Bill

We know that across NI in the next three to five years there will be just under 500 housing with care facilities opening.

BBC: Health chief backs Western trust's care closure plan