§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have a policy for Northern Ireland departments to discourage racism; if so, what is that policy; how does such a policy operate; and whether it extends to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. [HL2747]
§ The Lord President of the Council (Baroness Amos)The Government have made it clear that there is no place for racism in society. Their anti-racism policy is given effect through legislation including the Race Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 as amended by the Race Relations Order (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 and Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister is developing race equality and good relations strategies for Northern Ireland. The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has been closely involved in the development of these strategies and will contribute to their implementation.