AQW 48546/22-27


Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast


Tabled Date: 12/06/2026
Answered On Date: 30/07/2026
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 (i) practical supports; and (ii) policy changes, which have been enacted to (a) protect vulnerable people; (b) address racial equality; and (c) promote community relations, since August 2024, including the financial resources applied in each case.


Answer:
The cross-organisational Community Cohesion Group, led by our Department, has identified and developed proposed targeted interventions aimed at encouraging shared community life. These focus on supporting orientation, building relationships and youth programmes and are currently under consideration.
Councils have also been allocated just over £1m in funding to support delivery of Community Hubs in a range of outlets across their areas, as well as wider integration initiatives. The Hubs are to provide welcoming, safe and inclusive facilities where asylum seekers, refugees, minority ethnic communities and other migrants are supported to access essential services, and to integrate into and feel empowered to contribute to their local communities.
Recognising the need for immediate action in response to the more recent unrest, we have released £400k for the Department’s Planned Interventions Programme (PIP). It will provide targeted support for community-based activity which offers positive alternatives for young people who may be at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour, sectarianism, racism or recruitment by paramilitary gangs.
We have also facilitated the commencement of the 2026/27 T:BUC Camps programme with over 100 camps expected to be delivered across all 11 council areas, involving over 3,500 young people.
Additionally, to ensure flexibility to react to increased needs following the unrest, we have approved the development of a £500k ‘Response Fund’, designed to enable agile, targeted support in the areas where it is needed most.
To support the longer-term approach to racial equality, you will be aware of the recent public consultation on a draft Framework for Race Relations and associated two-year Delivery Plan. We received almost 700 responses to the consultation and analysis is underway to inform any final approach for Executive consideration.
Alongside this, we are considering the findings of the review of the T:BUC Strategy and recognise it is vital that any new Good Relations Framework reflects the issues that modern society is facing and impacts all communities here. Delivery of T:BUC programmes under the current strategy continues in parallel, positively impacting communities across our society.