In a letter written to East Antrim MLA Ken Robinson, Caitriona Ruane confirmed the site was "being made available for a housing development".
Last week the Times revealed that work on a major new social housing project on the site of the former school could get underway as early as next year.
The project had looked to be in doubt when the land at Knockview Road was claimed by two different Government departments.
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie publicly declared the site would indeed be used for social housing, while Ms Ruane contradicted that statement, claiming it was to be sold off on the open market.
"I apologise for any confusion that my earlier answer may have caused, which was based on information which was provided to my Department at the time," Ms Ruane said in her letter.
She added: "I understand... the Department of Social Development (DSD) made a case for the site for social housing and it will be purchased and developed by Oaklee Housing Association, with financial support from the DSD."