Traveller reports 'inaccurate and unfair' - O'Dowd
THE issue of relations between Travellers and the settled community has been raised in the Assembly.
Upper Bann MLA John O’Dowd questioned the deputy first minister Martin McGuinness on what steps are being taken to enhance understanding between the two communities.
He also pointed to recent coverage of events in Craigavon which he said had been inaccurate and unfair.
Mr O’Dowd asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the programmes that it will deliver to enhance understanding between the Travelling and settled communities.
In reply the deputy First Minister said: “The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister is intent on promoting good relations, including good race relations. In that context, we are committed to enhancing understanding between all people here.
“As part of its funding scheme for minority ethnic groups, since 2005, the Department has provided funding of almost 400,000 to organisations representing Travellers here. That figure constitutes almost 20% of the funding scheme’s overall budget.
“That funding provides a range of activities to enhance understanding between Travellers and settled people, including the development of an integrated children’s club, support for Travellers in further education and training, the provision of equality and diversity training for settled people, and the development of an advocacy project to help Travellers to speak on behalf of their community. An Munia Tober in Belfast continues to provide a resource for individuals and groups who wish to explore the culture and heritage of Irish Travellers.
Shared
“Under the programme of cohesion and integration for a shared and better future, we will examine ways in which to promote good relations between Irish Travellers and settled people further.”
Mr O’Dowd said: “I thank the deputy First Minister for stating that his Department is prepared to examine new ways to improve relations between the settled and Travelling communities. He will be aware of recent publicity surrounding events in the Craigavon area, some of which was inaccurate and unfair.
“Does he agree that if relations between the settled community and Travellers are to move forward, they must do so on a basis of mutual respect?”
The deputy First Minister responded: “If we are to live in an inclusive society, in which people are treated equally, we must all have respect for one another. That has been an age-old sore in society, not only in the North, but in the South. There is no doubt that our approach has been patchy. However, as we move forward, we have a duty and responsibility - particularly given the responsibility of the new Assembly - to face up to all those issues in society that require to be addressed. The relationship between Travellers and the settled community must be taken seriously.”
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Weather for Lurgan
Friday 25 May 2012
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