AQW 9683/17-22

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 04/11/2020
Answered On Date: 11/11/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what her Department is doing to fulfil the Executive's commitment to building a united and shared society through the Together: Building a United Community strategy.

Answer:

While my Department does not directly lead the delivery of Together: Building a United Community actions, I recognise that we have an important supporting role to play in building a united and shared society and am committed to doing so.

Examples of this include our work in support of the Urban Villages Programme through specific projects such as the Colin Connect Transport Hub and also through our contribution through planning policies to the development of shared spaces that can be used and enjoyed by all. Our public transport system is also crucial in helping people and communities connect with each other and with employment and other opportunities.

Together with other departments, we also have an important role to play in helping rid communities of unwanted flags, emblems and other displays that can cause division. In this regard, the Justice Minister and I have jointly written to the First and deputy First Ministers asking sight of the Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition (FICT) report. I remain committed to working collectively with Executive colleagues towards a sustainable solution in this area.