The Strangford MLA, who also chairs the All-Party Group on Homelessness, stated: "We welcome the change in approach from courts, including to bail hearings, to allow more time for support to be put in place for individuals being released from prison.  I am delighted the changes will apply to both the High Court and Magistrates' Court for most bail hearings.

"I would like to commend the work of the Minister for Justice, Naomi Long MLA, on enabling the support provided in prisons for life outside custody. The provision of access to advice and support for benefits and housing goes a long way towards preventing people from becoming homeless and reducing reoffending.

"This is effective and joined up government in action. While there is some way to go, we are at last seeing the outworkings of the Homelessness Action Plan."