Menu
08/04/2004
Minister calls for end to racist attacks
Health Minister, Angela Smith has denounced all forms of racism, especially that perpetrated against health and social services staff.
Speaking today, the Minister said people from minority ethnic backgrounds, including staff from overseas, were a vital part of Northern Ireland’s health and social services workforce, and thus should be valued.
"Without the skills and dedication of these people our services could not be maintained and patients would suffer," Mrs Smith said.
"Racist abuse from any quarter is offensive and totally unacceptable and we must send a clear message that we will not tolerate it. There can be no excuse for attacks on people because of their ethnic background. People are entitled to feel safe working and living in our community, no matter what their background."
The Minister said she would use every possible resource at her disposal to eliminate racist behaviour and press for the prosecution of the perpetrators of offences and crimes motivated by racial hatred or prejudice.
"Systems are already in place to support staff when they are subjected to abuse, but we need to do more to ensure that all people working in our services know about them and are able to access them. We are actively working with staff and the trade unions to develop these systems further over the coming months," she added.
Mrs Smith confirmed that her Department was in discussions with staff side organisations and employers to draw up an action plan to ensure that health workers who suffer racist abuse or violence are given the best possible support, and that health workers who come from overseas are given good support and guidance.
(MB)
Speaking today, the Minister said people from minority ethnic backgrounds, including staff from overseas, were a vital part of Northern Ireland’s health and social services workforce, and thus should be valued.
"Without the skills and dedication of these people our services could not be maintained and patients would suffer," Mrs Smith said.
"Racist abuse from any quarter is offensive and totally unacceptable and we must send a clear message that we will not tolerate it. There can be no excuse for attacks on people because of their ethnic background. People are entitled to feel safe working and living in our community, no matter what their background."
The Minister said she would use every possible resource at her disposal to eliminate racist behaviour and press for the prosecution of the perpetrators of offences and crimes motivated by racial hatred or prejudice.
"Systems are already in place to support staff when they are subjected to abuse, but we need to do more to ensure that all people working in our services know about them and are able to access them. We are actively working with staff and the trade unions to develop these systems further over the coming months," she added.
Mrs Smith confirmed that her Department was in discussions with staff side organisations and employers to draw up an action plan to ensure that health workers who suffer racist abuse or violence are given the best possible support, and that health workers who come from overseas are given good support and guidance.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 September 2021
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
10 October 2006
New initiative launched to target racist attacks
A new initiative to help victims racist attacks has been launched in Northern Ireland. The community referral scheme is being piloted in Newtownabbey for those who have suffered a result of racism. Victims of racist incidents will initially speak to a Police Minority Liaison Officer before being referred to a Community Relations Forum worker.
New initiative launched to target racist attacks
A new initiative to help victims racist attacks has been launched in Northern Ireland. The community referral scheme is being piloted in Newtownabbey for those who have suffered a result of racism. Victims of racist incidents will initially speak to a Police Minority Liaison Officer before being referred to a Community Relations Forum worker.
10 August 2006
Two arrested over "suspected racist attack"
Police in County Down have appealed for information following a suspected racist attack on a house in the early hours of this morning. At around 4.45am, paint was thrown and windows were broken at the house in the Copelands Park area of Bangor, which is understood to have been occupied by three Lithuanian nationals at the time.
Two arrested over "suspected racist attack"
Police in County Down have appealed for information following a suspected racist attack on a house in the early hours of this morning. At around 4.45am, paint was thrown and windows were broken at the house in the Copelands Park area of Bangor, which is understood to have been occupied by three Lithuanian nationals at the time.
25 October 2024
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
16 November 2004
No room for ‘racism’ in health service - Minister
Health Minister Angela Smith today launched a hard-hitting campaign aimed at tackling incidents of racism against Health and Social Services staff. The ‘No Room for Racism’ campaign will use both radio adverts and posters, to show how racist incidents lead to fear and low morale among health service staff.
No room for ‘racism’ in health service - Minister
Health Minister Angela Smith today launched a hard-hitting campaign aimed at tackling incidents of racism against Health and Social Services staff. The ‘No Room for Racism’ campaign will use both radio adverts and posters, to show how racist incidents lead to fear and low morale among health service staff.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
