Debate contribution: Race Relations Framework
Debate contribution by Ms Michelle O'Neill on .
- MLA
- Ms Michelle O'Neill
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 22 June 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Race Relations Framework
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5638073
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Yes. It is so important that the voices of those with lived experience are taken into account, because, ultimately, the framework has to be about making a difference to their lives and how they live. As I indicated, we met the racial equality subgroup in Stormont in the past few weeks. We have also met people in the community in north Belfast, including representatives from ethnic minority communities, all of whom had been impacted on by the racist attacks that we saw on our streets. I personally wanted to offer my full support to the and to say that we will do everything that we can to weed out the ugliness that we see in pockets across our society. It is crucial that we hear directly from those ethnic minority communities, because we have to understand what their lives are like and what their experience is and then try to find ways in which to have a more cohesive society and ways in which to support them. It is about ensuring that their voices are heard and reflected in the framework and that we can make a real, positive difference for them and their families, because that is what politics has to be about: making a difference. I am sure that many Members have engaged with members from the black and ethnic minority community in recent weeks. Some of the stories that I heard were heartbreaking, such as a parent explaining to a six-year-old why people hate them. That is an awful indictment of society, so we all need to be strong in ensuring that we do everything that we can, and I hope that the framework gives us a chance to do so.
284 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Assessment
Awaiting analysis
This record has not been analysed yet. It is not counted in any total until it has been assessed.
Disagree with this assessment?
Classifications can be challenged. A person reviews every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.