To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take steps to implement the recommendations of (a) the Sure Start funding bid and (b) the South Down Family Health Initiative findings. (133334)

The information is as follows:

(a) The expansion of Sure Start is underway. Seven new projects have been created and 19 existing projects have expanded their catchment areas. Most expansions are operational, with the remainder in the process of recruitment of additional staff. Of the new projects, five have commenced delivery of services, and it is expected that the remainder will be operational later in 2007.

(b) In relation to the South Down family health initiative findings, since the report's publication, a part-time project worker has been appointed and a number of local projects have received support from a range of sources. Further funding will be based on an assessment of local priorities and affordability.