AQW 4636/17-22


Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim


Tabled Date: 09/06/2020
Answered On Date: 03/02/2021
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on progress in implementing the proposed actions of the Racial Equality Strategy 2015-2025.


Answer:
Good progress has been made in implementing the key actions in the Strategy, specifically:
The structures to support delivery, including the Racial Equality Sub-Group and Racial Equality Champions in each Department, are now in place. They are developing a joint work programme and approach.
A review of the Race Relations (NI) Order and relevant aspects of other legislation is underway.
Research into ethnic monitoring, which also includes the potential for amendments to our Fair Employment legislation, has just been completed and we are considering the draft report to inform future proposals. There is growing evidence of a disproportionately high number of BAME deaths from COVID-19 in England and Wales which reinforces the need to gather evidence here to fully identify the extent of racial inequalities. Our work on ethnic monitoring aims to support the establishment of an improved evidence base.
A review of the delivery model for the Minority Ethnic Development Fund (MEDF), a key element of our policy for racial equality and good race relations, is due to complete in the coming weeks. The findings will inform the future operation of the Fund.
Work with the Department of Education (DE) to identify ways to tackle racist bullying in schools is underway. This is supported by the sub group who are also engaging with the PSNI to agree actions to increase identification and monitoring of race hate crime.
We remain committed to full implementation of the Strategy and its proposed actions. Indeed work is also underway to finalise a draft Refugee Integration Strategy for all refugees and asylum seekers which we hope to consult on later this year.
The Racial Equality Indicators Baseline Report was published in November 2018 and presents data measuring the progress of the Racial Equality Strategy. We are pleased that the report shows headway made in a number of areas but appreciate that there is more to do and we will continue to work to fully implement the actions in the strategy.