In light of
the recent increase in racially
motivated hate crimes and the controversial comments of Pastor
James McConnell, MLAs were keen to find out what the Office of the First
Minister and deputy First Minister have planned in terms of ensuring racial
equality in Northern Ireland. Thousands of members of the public showed their
feelings during an anti-racism rally
held in Belfast over the weekend.
Daithi McKay
asked the deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, what his department would
be doing to tackle prejudicial views aimed at the Muslim community. Mr McGuinness
said that the department “is committed to racial, ethnic and religious equality”
and he is hopeful that the new racial equality strategy, ‘A sense of belonging’,
will be published for consultation in the coming days. The anti-racism rally
held in Belfast “sends a very clear message to the wider international
community that we are a society moving forward and are not prepared to
capitulate to those within our society who wish to portray us in any way
racist, sectarian or bigoted”.
Kieran
McCarthy was critical that the racial equality strategy has been so long in the
making (seven years) and sought assurances that the funding would be available
for its implementation. Junior Minister McCann agreed that the delay of the strategy
was “unacceptable”, citing the need for political agreement on certain issues
which have now hopefully been resolved. In terms of funding, the Junior
Minister assured that “we believe that the strategy will be adequately
resourced”. It is expected that there will be an additional £1.1m available
through the ethnic
minority fund.
The deputy
First Minister also answered
questions on the Delivering Social
Change signature projects, the disability
strategy and the impact of the economic
pact. During the topical question period Mr McGuinness also answered
questions on internet safety, flash flooding and restrictions on teaching in
certain schools without a certificate for religious education.
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