To ask the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the progress toward; and (ii) the timeframe, for the introduction of an anti-poverty strategy and associated action plan.

In line with its statutory obligation under Section 28E of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the Executive Committee will soon receive proposals for the adoption of a strategy to tackle poverty, social exclusion and patterns of deprivation here based on objective need.

The process has already commenced for proposals to be outlined to the OFMDFM Committee in advance of the Executive Committee's considerations.

When the Executive Committee has completed its considerations and assessment of existing targets, work will commence on the development of actions that could contribute to the adopted strategy's major goals and objectives.