To ask the Minister of Finance what discussions have taken place with the Minister for Infrastructure to address the shortfall in funding for Northern Ireland Water.

I have had recent discussions with the Minister for Infrastructure regarding the funding requirements for NI Water. During a recent meeting in September in relation to the in-year budget position, the issue of the capital funding position of NI Water was discussed.

I have also had a further meeting with the Minister for Infrastructure to discuss specifically the question of developer contributions as a means of funding water and wastewater infrastructure. At that meeting, the Infrastructure Minister outlined that legislative change would be required before NI Water could introduce developer contributions in relation to water and wastewater infrastructure and that he is currently considering how best to proceed. I recognise that a lack of water and wastewater capacity is acting as a constraint on development in many locations, particularly in relation to social housing, and this does need to be addressed.