AQO 1547/22-27

Mr Peter McReynolds
Alliance Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 06/02/2025
Answered On Date: 24/02/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline what learning they have applied following the violent attacks and disorder during the summer of 2024.

Answer:

We have taken learning from other programmes which deal with societal issues, and believe a strong focus on a public health style approach is needed if we are to tackle racism and racial inequality.

A public call for views was launched on 6th February to gain evidence for the new strategic approach to racial equality when the current strategy ends in December 2025.

We want to hear from key stakeholders, the minority ethnic sector, and wider society about what they believe the root causes of racism and race hate are. We would encourage everyone to have their voices heard in this important consultation.

Work is also ongoing to undertake a review to fulfil the commitment made by the Assembly after its urgent recall and statements of condemnation, following the racist attacks last year