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Northern Ireland housing minister steps aside for health reasons
Northern Ireland’s minister with responsibility for housing has temporarily stepped down for health reasons.
Deirdre Hargey has been replaced until her return by fellow Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín, who was sworn in as communities minister on Monday.
Ms Ní Chuilín was previously housing spokesperson for her party and represents Belfast North.
Northern Irish media reported over the weekend that Ms Hargey had been admitted to hospital and was set to undergo surgery.
She was appointed communities minister in January, when a power-sharing government was restored in the region after three years of political stasis.
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The communities minister oversees the workings of the Department for Communities (DfC), which has responsibility for welfare and housing policy as well as sport, culture and the arts.
A spokesperson for the DfC said: “The department welcomed minister Ní Chuilín to her post on Monday 15 June on a temporary basis until Deirdre Hargey’s return.
“The minister has a wealth of experience and a solid understanding of the department’s work and has already met with permanent secretary Tracy Meharg and key officials to discuss current priorities.
“She has also received an update on the range of interventions that the department has put in place to help those most impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.”
Deputy first minister Michelle O’Neill said via Twitter: “I want to wish my friend and colleague @DeirdreHargey a full and speedy recovery.
“I look forward to her returning to her post as soon as possible. I am appointing @CaralNiChuilin as minister for communities on a temporary basis until Deirdre Hargey’s return.”
