Community Relations Policy must reflect diversity

Our changing society requires a new more dynamic community relations policy.

This was the message from Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, speaking at an Assembly motion on the Community Relations budget. Speaking after the debate the Minister said: "Community relations, equality and diversity remain a priority for both me and my Department. The existing policy however was originally developed over 20 years ago. Much has changed in the previous two decades both within wider society and our schools. For example we have seen an increase in the number of children with English as an additional language in schools, the introduction of the revised curriculum and changes in equality legislation.

"To ensure that work within schools reflects our more stable and diverse society, I commissioned a review of the existing community relations policy. Drawing on their findings I plan to bring forward a new Community Relations, Equality and Diversity policy. I want to move away from the dependency on external organisations in delivering community relations programs with schools having an important role to play. In fact a large number of our schools are already actively involved in this work, supported by a number of my Department's policies and initiatives such as Every School a Good School, Supporting Newcomer pupils and the GAA/IFA Primary Sports programme.

"I have been able to make provision for a dedicated funding stream for community relations, equality and diversity work which is set at £1.1million. Other funding contributing towards its development includes the Free School Meal entitlement for which I have extended the criteria. I also recently announced a further £1.3 million to provide additional pre-school places. Add to this the significant expenditure on Special Education Needs (over £200 million), supporting newcomer pupils, (£8million) and youth services (£28million) all of which contribute towards a wider more inclusive approach to community relations, equality and diversity."

Notes to editors:

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