asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many squatters there are in the Twinbrook estate in Belfast; how many have been taken to court; and how many have vacated the dwellings in which they live as a result of court action;
Detailed questions about squatting and about rent and rate arrears in particular Housing Executive estates are aspects of housing management which fall within the day-to-day responsibilities of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. I have been looking closely at the general issues of squatting and arrears in Northern Ireland. I am considering and will be discussing with the Executive possible new measures to ensure that more effective action can be taken. Any new measures would, of course, apply in the Twinbrook estate as elsewhere in Northern Ireland.