Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew called on Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to address concerns about the poverty plan. Gildernew serves as the party's communities spokesperson.

Gildernew made the statement after a meeting of the Communities Committee. The committee heard from local council representatives across Northern Ireland.

He stated that Lyons ignored input from campaigners and local councils during the plan's development. Gildernew noted that these groups hold central roles in delivering the plan.

Local councils raised concerns at the meeting. Gildernew said these match issues from community and voluntary organisations in recent months.

He described the minister's proposals as unsuitable. Gildernew urged Lyons to include these views in revisions.

Gildernew requested a more ambitious plan to support families in hardship.