HL Deb 02 February 2004 vol 656 cc67-8WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Statement by the Lord President on 13 January (WS 19–24) on Northern Ireland priorities and budget 2004–06, how specifically they intend to tackle sectarianism, community division and inter-community conflict. [HL882]

Baroness Amos

It is clear from the recent consultation onA Shared Future—improving relations in Northern Ireland that people in Northern Ireland want action to eliminate sectarianism and racism and to be able to live and work without fear of intimidation. Also, consultees urged government to take action to reduce tension and conflict at interface areas and support the development of integrated/shared communities where people wish to learn, live, work and play together.

Government are considering the outcome of the consultation and will bring forward proposals later this year on a new policy for improving relations in Northern Ireland. In the mean time, government will continue to harness actions across departments and agencies, working closely with its social and economic partners, to achieve measurable improvements in equality, poverty and disadvantage, and community cohesion. They will also demonstrate their commitment to tackling race crime and sectarian crime by bringing forward draft legislation shortly.

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Statement by the Lord President on 13 January (WS 19–24) on Northern Ireland priorities and budget 2004–4)6, what they understand by "community cohesion" and how they think this can, or should, be improved. [HL884]

Baroness Amos

A cohesive community is a peaceful, inclusive, stable and fair society, firmly founded on the achievement of reconciliation, tolerance, mutual trust and the protection and vindication of human rights for all. It is based on partnership, equality and mutual respect as the basis of good relationships. A cohesive community is one in which everyone has the chance to fulfil their potential.

Northern Ireland remains a deeply divided society with patterns of fear that have become ingrained. However, promoting equality of opportunity and justice for all, building trust and confidence between and within communities, developing social capital and tackling racism and sectarianism remain key priorities for government.

The Government will pursue these priorities through a broad range of policies and programmes which are set out in the published document Priorities and Budget 2004–06.

These include the putting in place of a new policy and strategy to promote good relations, further measures to combat poverty and social exclusion, a neighbourhood renewal programme, the development of targeted employment initiatives tailored to meet local needs through partnership working and steps to facilitate the growth of the community and voluntary sector to increase its business strength and create a supportive enabling environment. A copy of the Priorities and Budget 2004–06 document is available in the Library.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Statement by the Lord President on 13 January (WS 19–24) on Northern Ireland priorities and budget 2004–06, what extra resources they will provide to the voluntary and community sector. [HL885]

Baroness Amos

The Government recognise the key contribution of the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland. It is not possible to identify the specific allocations that all departments may make to the voluntary and community sector, but the Government will continue to work in partnership with the voluntary and community sector in the development of public services. Additional funding amounting to £7 million has been made available for 2004–05, through the Voluntary and Community Unit in the Department for Social Development, to support capacity building in the voluntary and community sector and to support essential services delivered by the sector. This includes £3 million per annum available through the Local Community Fund. This fund was established in 2003 to help build trust and confidence and develop community capacity and leadership.

The Government await the recommendations of the Task Force on Resourcing the Voluntary and Community Sector, to be available in June 2004, to guide future policy and resourcing considerations.