ULSTER Unionist Chief Whip Roy Beggs has received assurances from the government over plans to revitalise wall painting in Northern Ireland and erase its sectarian features.

Speaking in the House of Commons during Northern Ireland Questions, Mr Beggs asked Culture Minister Angela Smith: "Is the Government aware of just how many properties in public ownership carry sectarian and political murals?

"Will she provide funding and harness the talent that exists in Northern Ireland to provide more attractive and more acceptable murals and give encouragement to that art?"

Responding, Ms Smith said: "Murals can be divisive or unifying.

"As you know, the Ulster-Scots Agency has looked at bringing in new murals and over-painting those that are sectarian. I will give further consideration to your suggestion."