Minister calls on all to play their part in community relations

Government will continue to promote good community relations practice throughout society, the Minister with responsibility for community relations, said today as he launched Community Relations Week.

Unveiling the programme of events and activities, which run from 7-13 April 2003, Des Browne said the event was very important "because it shines a spotlight on the enormous amount of good work that goes on in community organisations right across Northern Ireland – work that never receives the attention that it deserves”.

He added: “This Community Relations week provides us with a snapshot of community relations in the life of the people of Northern Ireland. The impressive list of events taking place during this week is a reflection of the investment by so many people actively involved in peace making.”

The Minister said it is important that Government channel efforts towards initiatives at local level whereby participants are enabled to explore their own personal attitudes, experiences and indeed prejudices and to challenge those attitudes.

“These initiatives also provide participants with an invaluable opportunity to listen to and share with people from backgrounds and experiences other than their own.

“We owe a great debt to all of those who have committed so much time and effort to practical initiatives which bring people together. Such initiatives improve our communities, as well as improving community relations.

“I would encourage everyone to participate in the events which have been organised to find out about the rich diversity of life here, and about the differences, which I consider are the real qualities and strengths in our community," he concluded.

(MB)