Minister Lyons outlined during an Adjournment Debate around Child Poverty in North Belfast, brought by Nuala McAllister MLA, a three-tier approach aimed at reducing poverty across Northern Ireland.

The strategy, which is expected to be launched in January 2025, comes almost 27 years after a commitment to tackle poverty was first made in the Good Friday Agreement.

The North Antrim MLA has said: "After nearly three decades, any movement forward in terms of addressing the devastating levels of poverty in our society is to be welcomed.

"We know that poverty is a pervasive issue that affects individuals, families, and communities in countless ways. Minister Lyons’ commitment to tackling this in a structured and comprehensive manner is an important step in the right direction, so long as the strategy is fully funded, cross-departmental and truly addresses the root causes of poverty.

"I'd also like to pay tribute to the experts and voluntary and community sector organisations who co-designed the strategy and helped make it a reality.

"I look forward to working constructively with the Minister and everyone impacted to ensure that this strategy delivers real and lasting change for those who need it most. It is vital that we move quickly to implement effective measures that prevent poverty, support those in crisis, and help people find sustainable ways out of poverty.

“Alliance will continue to advocate for swift and decisive action to address the systemic issues that have allowed poverty to persist for far too long.”