Kelly outlines Executive's commitment to communities affected by economic downturn

Junior Minister Gerry Kelly today underlined the Executive’s commitment to helping all local communities experiencing difficulties during the economic downturn.

Speaking at the Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities (NICEM) AGM, Mr Kelly said: "I am grateful for the opportunity to again demonstrate our support for NICEM’s ongoing work to build a society free from all forms of racism and discrimination, which is key to our ongoing work of building a shared and better future for all people living here.

"We have been able to allocate additional funding under the minority Ethnic Development Fund in this financial year on top of a significant funding increase in the previous year. I believe this demonstrates OFMDFM’s commitment to and appreciation of the work of groups on the ground."

NICEM’s 15th Annual General Meeting included the launch of a research report entitled ‘The Impact of the Economic Downturn on the Polish Community in Northern Ireland’.

Welcoming the research, Junior Minister Kelly said: "I look forward to studying the report in detail and can assure you that we will give careful consideration to its recommendations."

Minister Kelly also confirmed that it was intended to reconvene the Racial Equality Forum in the near future, and added that the Department would continue to work closely with local communities, PSNI and other organisations to combat racism, sectarianism and intolerance in our society.

Notes to editors:

1. NICEM is an umbrella organisation representing the interests of black and minority ethnic communities in Northern Ireland. They receive core funding from OFMDFM under the Minority Ethnic Development Fund.
2. Media queries to OFMDFM Press Office, Tel: 028 9037 8204. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.