Debate contribution: Racism, Sectarianism and Xenophobia
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
- Racism, Sectarianism and Xenophobia
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5638109
Read the official Assembly record
Text
We cannot look at things in isolation. Whether it is the refugee integration strategy, the framework or the legislation, all those things need to move together and at pace. The strategy and the associated delivery framework acknowledge the importance of successful integration, particularly given that forced migration has increased significantly globally, with more people seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. Officials have worked with partners to progress priority actions for the strategy during the first year of delivery, which focused on the development of community hubs in council areas, some of which I have just mentioned. It is about taking forward a skills and employment survey, which received over 200 responses, to know more about the skills, qualifications and employment experiences of refugees and asylum seekers. It is about ensuring regional immigration advice and information for asylum seekers and refugees and also developing and enhancing communication, which is taken forward by the community cohesion group. Work is under way to draft the associated annual report, and I can say to the Member that the priority actions for this year will focus on enhancing inclusive learning ESOL provision; improving data sharing and insight for service planning; strengthening coordination of dispersal and move-on processes; and developing a sustainable standardised support model. Task and finish groups have already been established to take forward those priority actions. Clearly, events of the last three summers have to be weaved into the middle of that, and we will have to be adaptable to whatever the circumstances are in our community at this moment in time.
259 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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