AQW 48545/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 12/06/2026
Answered On Date: 20/07/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister, given that Northern Ireland has witnessed racially motivated violence for a third successive year, to detail any measures that will be prioritised to ensure that all residents, regardless of race, political identity or religion are protected from threat, intimidation and direct violence.

Answer:

Our Department is leading cross-organisational work to identify action to support those living in fear and to encourage cohesion across our local communities.

The Community Cohesion Group led by our officials has identified and developed proposals for targeted medium and long interventions to address the root causes of tension, and to encourage positive attitudes to shared community life. These are under consideration.

In response to the recent unrest, TEO in conjunction with wider stakeholders, including the voluntary and community sector, is identifying additional immediate /short-term interventions to help those in need.

We have also approved the release of funding for the Planned Interventions Programme (PIP) and the development of an agile ‘Response Fund’. The PIP funds community activity to provide positive alternatives for young people at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour, sectarianism, racism, and recruitment from paramilitary gangs. While the Response Fund will provide agile and targeted support and interventions in areas where unrest has been particularly significant, and/or where the risk of further unrest is elevated.

Building cohesion is a challenging multi-faceted long-term endeavour which requires a sustained approach across Government and wider partners; our Department will continue to play its part in driving forward the change needed.