Minister welcomes ‘Respect’ for Holyland

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, has announced his support for a campaign urging Belfast-based students to show consideration for their neighbours.

The ‘Respect’ campaign, which is being led by Belfast City Council’s Inter-Agency Group, reminds students to take responsibility for their own behaviour and show respect for local communities. Details of the campaign will be included in an information pack delivered to around 7,000 student households in the South Belfast area.

Supporting the new initiative, the Minister said: “The ‘Respect’ campaign sets a balanced tone in reminding students of their responsibilities, not only to themselves but to the community in which they reside. It should also be noted that the vast majority of students do behave correctly, and it is only a small minority who tarnish the reputation of the student population.”

The Minister concluded: “When I hosted the Holyland Stakeholder Forum it was an acknowledgment that this issue could only be tackled through a multi-agency approach. Belfast City Council’s Inter-Agency Group is to be commended for playing its part in efforts to bring a lasting solution to the problems of the Holyland area.”

The Minister also announced that he intends to host a further Holyland Stakeholder Forum in the autumn.

Notes to editors:

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