AQW 21967/17-22

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 07/09/2021
Answered On Date: 29/09/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister (i) what assessment their Department has made of the potential effect of climate change on the displacement of people; and (ii) with consideration to this, what steps their Department is taking to prepare for future increases in refugees seeking safety in Northern Ireland.

Answer:

We are aware of the far reaching impact of climate change and the potential for it to impact economic, political and broader stability.

Immigration, including asylum remains an excepted matter under Schedule 2 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. However the issues impacting asylum seekers or refugees when they arrive here often relate to devolved responsibilities. In line with the commitment in our Racial Equality Strategy 2015-2025, we are currently developing a draft Refugee Integration Strategy with the intention of bringing it to consultation later this year.