Minister announces work is to commence on development of Social Inclusion Strategies

Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has announced work is to commence on the development of the suite of Social Inclusion Strategies.

Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has announced work is to commence on the development of the suite of Social Inclusion Strategies.

Anti-Poverty, Disability, Gender Equality and Sexual Orientation Strategies will aim to address barriers and inequalities in society and to fulfil the commitments in New Decade, New Approach and the Executive’s Programme for Government.  It is anticipated that all of the Strategies listed above will be published by the end of 2021, subject to Executive agreement. 

The term of the last Child Poverty Strategy expired in March 2019.  Due to the absence of the devolved institutions, it was not possible to produce a new Strategy at that time.  Departments however, continued to report annually on their respective actions contained in the Child Poverty Strategy Action Plan.  The Minister will work with the Executive and key stakeholders to decide the best way forward in relation to dealing with Child Poverty.

The current Active Ageing Strategy 2016-2021 is due to conclude in January 2021.  The Minister will shortly be engaging with Executive colleagues in relation to the options for the treatment of this Strategy post 2021.

Announcing details of the timetable, Minister Ní Chuilín said,

“I am delighted that work is to commence on these new Social Inclusion Strategies, which aim to tackle the inequalities and obstacles that directly affect the everyday lives of many people in our community.”

“Community engagement will be a key factor in their development and I am keen to ensure that the people most affected have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to their development and delivery.”

The Minister continued,

“Whilst my Department is in the lead on the development of these Strategies, it is important to note the issues to be addressed cut across all Executive Departments.  I will work closely with Executive colleagues and other Departments to ensure that each Strategy is underpinned by an action plan containing targeted, measurable and resourced actions focused on the areas of greatest need identified by our stakeholders.”

Concluding the Minister said,

“I am committed to the development of these Strategies, which will bring focus to identifying and addressing the issues, barriers and disadvantages that undermine equality of opportunity in our community.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The suite of Social Inclusion Strategies are: Anti-Poverty, Disability, Gender and Sexual Orientation.  Each Strategy will be progressed in conjunction with an Expert Advisory Panel, Co-Design Working Group and Cross Departmental Working Group.

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