Alliance Executive Office spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA stated: "I welcome that the Executive Office is making a clear statement here there can be no contextualising or excusing racist or xenophobic violence.

"My Alliance colleagues have been pushing since the disgraceful scenes in Ballymena and Larne for greater prioritisation of early intervention to promote racial cohesion, as well as funding to address the devasting impact of violence on victims."

Alliance Equality spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA added: "The cost of last month's violence was borne primarily by those who experienced fear and loss as a result of it. There is also a significant cost to the clear-up which, in practice, has to be taken away from other public services.

"Those who have concerns about housing do not wreck houses. There has to be much more direct and urgent action aimed at prevention of violence and building social cohesion. Although this is a relatively small amount of money, it represents a welcome direction of travel."