Ministers affirm commitment to Ethnic Equality Monitoring
Date published:
A video outlining the Executive’s commitment to ethnic equality monitoring has been launched.
The video seeks to inform people that they may be asked about their ethnicity including their country of birth, national identity, ethnic group, religion, and language when using public services. Any data which is collected will be used to identify and monitor inequalities with the ultimate aim of achieving racial equality.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said:
“By committing to ethnic equality monitoring, the Executive aims to build a society in which racial equality and diversity is supported, understood, valued, and respected. Collecting personal ethnicity information from service users will better assist public bodies in identifying and monitoring inequalities, developing evidence-based policy and planning service delivery that meets the needs of the communities we represent.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added:
“It is important that people of all ethnic backgrounds have a sense of belonging which is acknowledged and valued by everyone. The video is aimed at all service users. It is only when data is gathered from people from all ethnic backgrounds that we can get a picture of how things really are.”
The Racial Equality Subgroup worked with TEO to develop the video and provided local minority ethnic voices for the animation, which can be viewed below and on the Racial Equality section of TEO website: www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/articles/ethnic-equality-monitoring.
Notes to editors:
For additional information contact: Racial Equality Legislation Team RELT@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk