Ministers launch consultation for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration

First Minister Rt. Hon Peter Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA have launched the Programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration (CSI) for public consultation today.

Mr Robinson said: "We have all come a long way in the past decade and it is important that we now build on the good work that has already been achieved in shaping a better future for everyone.

"We want to build a society where everyone shares in and enjoys the benefits of peace and stability. The Programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration will address issues impacting on disaffected young people, tackle the conditions that perpetuate urban interfaces and rural segregation, as well as addressing those issues facing both established minority ethnic groups and new arrivals within our community.

"We look forward to hearing the views of people from right across our society and we would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to either attend a public meeting or to respond in writing. It is important that you have your say on how we can make our society a better place for everyone."

Mr McGuinness said: "The draft programme provides the framework for co-ordination across government departments for action against sectarianism, racism and all forms of hate. Working together, we will build a shared and better future for all based on fairness, equality, rights, responsibilities and respect.

"Events within our community in recent weeks emphasise how important it is for dialogue, agreement and joint working. We want to build a society where people can live, work and socialise in safe, shared and accessible facilities. We want a future based on equality, sharing, respect and understanding.

"This is a draft document and we would invite people to study the document and take part in the consultation exercise. We recognise that government action alone cannot tackle inequality, sectarianism, racism and hate. It will take all sections of society working with government together. That is why central to the document is the inclusion of all sectors affected by hate crime at all levels of decision making."

The public consultation period on the document will run until 29 October 2010.

Notes to editors:

1. The public consultation was launched on Tuesday 27 July 2010 and will run until 29 October 2010.

2. The document is available on at the nidirect website

3. Public meetings will take place at a range of locations throughout September. Details of the events are as follows:

Wednesday 1 September, Derry/Londonderry
Monday 6 September, Belfast
Tuesday 7 September, Newry
Thursday 9 September, Cookstown
Monday 13 September, Ballymena
Wednesday 15 September, Enniskillen
Tuesday 21 September, Newtownards
Wednesday 22 September, Portadown
Monday 27 September, Armagh
Wednesday 29 September, Omagh

4. Written responses to the consultation can be provided using the following contact details:

Cohesion, Sharing and Integration Project Team
Telephone: 028 9052 8497
Fax: 028 9052 3272
Text phone: 028 9052 2526
Email: csi@ofmdfmni.gov.uk
Or visit our website at:
www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/index/equality/community-relations.htm

5. All media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9037 8082. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.