Debate contribution: Racial Equality Legislation

Debate contribution by Ms Aisling Reilly on 13 October 2026.

MLA: Ms Aisling Reilly
Party at the time: Sinn Féin
Date: 13 October 2026
Type: Debate contribution (made as a minister)
Business: Opposition Business
Heading: Racial Equality Legislation
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5790000

Text

Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.
I also want to start by welcoming a lot of familiar faces and friends in the Gallery. I welcome the opportunity to respond to this motion, and I thank the proposer for bringing it forward. It is extremely poignant that we are speaking today as we mark Black History Month 2026. It is also significant that we do so during the United Nations Second International Decade for People of African Descent. This is an important time to recognise and celebrate the contribution that black people and communities make to life here. We see that contribution every day. We see it in our hospitals, our businesses, our schools, our universities, arts and culture, and in every community right across the North. Those are our friends, our neighbours, our work colleagues and our families, and they are people who contribute so much to our society and help make this place what it is. It is important that we recognise and celebrate that contribution, not just during Black History Month but throughout the entire year. While Black History Month is a celebration, it is also an opportunity for reflection, because every person, regardless of race, religion or background, deserves to feel safe, valued and respected. Building a society that is free from racism is not about responding to incidents when they happen: it is about fostering understanding, challenging prejudice and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement between communities. That requires all of us to work together to create a society in which every person is treated with dignity, respect and equality. We have all seen the fear and hurt that has been caused by racist attacks and disorder in recent years, but we have also seen the very best of communities that have come together, stood alongside their neighbours and showed compassion and solidarity. That is the spirit that we need to build upon. While, as has been mentioned, legislative reform remains important, we are working and progressing in other areas because we cannot stand still. We are progressing the new framework for race relations, which builds on the racial equality strategy 2015-2025. That sets out our vision for a society in which diversity is valued and everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. It focuses on four priorities: addressing structural inequalities; tackling racism and race hate crime; making sure that there is fair access to services; and strengthening community cohesion. Those are ambitions about whether someone is treated fairly when seeking employment or housing, whether they can access the services that they need, whether their children feel welcome at school and whether they feel part of the community in which they live. We have also focused on a range of initiatives designed to improve the everyday lives of people who live here, including the launch of the ending violence against women and girls strategy and the refugee integration strategy. These are important initiatives that seek to deliver meaningful change by addressing issues that matter most to people's lives and, importantly, their experiences. Earlier this year, we consulted on the draft framework and its accompanying two-year delivery plan. We had more than 700 responses. I thank everyone who contributed, particularly those who shared their own experiences of racism and discrimination. Their voices matter, and they must help to shape what happens next. That feedback is being carefully considered as work continues to finalise the framework.
We absolutely recognise the importance of making sure that people have the opportunity to realise their potential, and that both they and the communities in which they settle receive the support that they need. In doing so, we will work towards a truly integrated and shared society, regardless of race, ethnicity or immigration status. Members will be aware that that is why the Executive agreed and published the refugee integration strategy and the delivery framework in May last year. Since then, work has continued to progress a number of key priorities in line with the delivery approach set out in the framework. Last year, that included establishing resource hubs across council areas, conducting a skills and employment survey, extending regional immigration advice provision to March 2026, and enhancing communications and public awareness. More than £1 million of funding was provided to support those important initiatives. We continue to invest in practical support for people and communities. Through the minority ethnic development fund, we provide approximately £1·1 million annually to support 28 groups that are delivering vital work across our society. Those organisations are often the first point of contact for people who need advice, reassurance and support. They help families to access services, build confidence and feel connected to their communities. I acknowledge the difference that they make every single day. In response to the race-related unrest in recent years, we have approved a suite of targeted interventions, developed through cross-organisational collaboration, to address the root causes. These include an orientation programme on cultural norms and expectations, an engagement and building relationships initiative to support long-term positive engagement between communities, and education and early intervention programmes that link with schools and youth settings. We are also progressing a public communications campaign aimed at bringing about attitudinal change, improving race relations, building community confidence and supporting integration. An updated race relations order will sit alongside our initiatives and strategies and support their implementation. However, it can do so effectively only if it is fit for purpose. When the legislation is brought in, it has to be robust, fit for purpose and reflective of the highest standards of equality. We are committed to improving the lives of all people living here. Alongside legislative reform, we will implement the new race relations framework. That framework builds on the achievements of the racial equality strategy and represents a renewed strategic effort to make sure that everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity, can thrive, contribute meaningfully and experience a genuine sense of belonging. It sets out a clear direction for progress and is guided by a vision of a society in which diversity is valued and everyone can live free from discrimination. We absolutely recognise the need to continue our efforts right across government and society to tackle racism and inequality, particularly in light of recent unrest. We remain committed to securing meaningful and lasting equality, not only for today but as a legacy for future generations. The continued support and advice of the subgroup and the wider sector are warmly welcomed as we take this important work forward. Let us move forward together, united in our determination to build a peaceful, inclusive and welcoming future for everyone who calls this place home.

1,107 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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