AQW 47031/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 26/05/2026
Answered On Date: 03/06/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any engagement they, or their officials, had with representatives of the black and ethnic minority community in Ballymena (i) in the immediate aftermath of the racially-motivated disorder; and (ii) between July 2025 and April 2026, including (a) groups involved; (ii) issues raised; and (c) any actions agreed.

Answer:

In the immediate aftermath of the disorder, we met with the Racial Equality Subgroup (RES) as the voice of minority ethnic communities to government. Its membership includes Inter Ethnic Forum (IEF), based in Ballymena, which played a key role in supporting those impacted. The meeting notes are available on our website.

Our officials also met with IEF in their premises in Ballymena to see firsthand the impact and worked closely with their colleagues in the Department of Education and the Education Authority, alongside representatives from schools in Ballymena, to ensure support for young people affected.

Additionally, they have been leading the work of the multi-agency Community Cohesion Group to develop preventative and early interventions to address the root causes.

These are nearing completion and we expect to consider proposals imminently.