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

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

Local councils told the committee that the minister overlooked their experience during the plan's development. Councils deliver aspects of the plan.

Gildernew said the councils' concerns match those from community and voluntary organisations in recent months. He described the minister's proposals as inadequate.

Gildernew called on Lyons to incorporate these views. He seeks a more ambitious plan to assist families facing hardship.