To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on reviewing and updating the Race Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1997.

Mrs Little-Pengelly (The deputy First Minister)

As an Executive, we are committed to delivering what matters most to communities, including tackling racial inequality, eradicating racism and promoting good race relations. As part of that, a comprehensive review of the Race Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 has been completed, alongside a public consultation. The resulting policy proposals, which are substantial and, in some cases, complex, are under consideration. In parallel, a 12-week public consultation on a draft framework for race relations and associated delivery plan commenced in March of this year. All of that work reinforces our commitment to building a better future where everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity, can thrive and contribute meaningfully with a genuine sense of belonging.

Mrs Little-Pengelly

I thank the Member for his question. Yes, that has been circulated to all Ministers, who have scrutinised it. It is complex, and there are a significant number of technical amendments to it. The idea behind it was to make sure that we were not going to continue to fall behind some of the legislative changes elsewhere across the United Kingdom. That has been examined in detail. Some of them, as I have said, are very technical, and we are working through those at the moment. There has been, as the Member will be aware, a very firm commitment to doing everything that we can to support eliminating racism and to support people, no matter what background they are from and what they are. This is only one part of a number of different initiatives that we have been driving forward from the Executive Office.

Ms Ní Chuilín

Deputy First Minister, we have witnessed racism and sectarian attacks, whether they have been in Derry, north Belfast, Larne or Ballymena. Can you, as deputy First Minister, ensure that a refreshed approach to race relations will be effective in building a society free from racism, sectarianism and, indeed, xenophobia?

Mrs Little-Pengelly

Thank you. It is really important that this House stands together and sends that clear message against all of those things. We know that racism, sectarianism and that type of prejudice blight lives and ruin communities. There are social cohesion issues. Communities need support, and we must be there to support them in trying to make sure that everyone in that community can have that brighter future. There are significant opportunities with the drafting of the revised Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC) good relations strategy — T:BUC 2. We are looking at that, not only to extend it across the traditional communities here in Northern Ireland but to ensure that it is in the mainstream and that good race relations are embedded in the strategy and delivery framework.

Mr Frew

On the topic of race relations and, indeed, the concentration of immigration, can the deputy First Minister update the House on her recent engagement with communities in Ballymena that were affected by last year's summer disorder and advise what practical support TEO is considering?

Mrs Little-Pengelly

I thank the Member for his important question. We saw significant disruption last summer in his constituency, in the Ballymena area. It is incredibly important that we get out and speak to people who live and work in those communities about their issues and concerns. I believe that people are sick, sick, sick of not being listened to by their elected representatives, not just in Northern Ireland but across the United Kingdom. It is important that all of us get out. I thank the Member for bringing me out on the ground in Ballymena, speaking to organisations, including women's groups and community organisations, and young people, and listening to the issues that really matter to them. We need to wake up and listen to the fact that people have genuine concerns about social cohesion. People are absolutely sick, not only of not being listened to but of being called racist or being dismissed when they are articulating genuinely held concerns. We need to listen to people and step up to that challenge, and, working with my colleague, I am determined to do so.