Report reveals gulf between communities

A report has found that, almost five years on from the Good Friday Agreement, Northern Ireland remains a deeply divided society with over 70% of Housing Executive estates almost entirely segregated.

'A Shared Future', a public consultation document on the future direction of community relations policy, also found that less than 5% of children attend integrated schools and community division often limits the choices that people make about where they work, and which public places they use.

Speaking in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, NIO Community Relations Minister Des Browne said that "community division is not unique to Northern Ireland, nor unexpected in a society emerging from conflict".

However, he emphasised that a "shared society" is the best hope for a stable peace, and that many people who want to see greater sharing and integration are currently denied that choice.

This was borne out, he said, by the 2002 Survey of Public Attitudes, which showed that almost two?thirds of respondents favoured integrated housing.

Mr Browne said: “Community division often stems from fear, mistrust, and a weary acceptance of patterns of separate living that have become ingrained during conflict. However, this can and must change. I believe that many people want to live in a shared society, and the Government is determined to give them that choice.”

The Minister outlined proposals to promote a shared society, involving long-term action at local government, regional and central government level, with a key role proposed for district councils. Following the consultation, a new community relations policy and strategy will be developed before the end of the year.

The consultation will run until the end of July and includes a range of meetings, conferences and workshop opportunities for key stakeholders, including the general public, to put their views forward.

In conclusion the Minister said: "It is essential that there is a wide?ranging debate if we are to make progress. Government will do everything it can to develop this debate, but we need the political parties, the churches and the wider civic society to engage on this issue. I particularly want to hear from young people about their ideas for the future of Northern Ireland.”

(GMcG)