The Chair of the Executive Office Committee was speaking during an Assembly debate on the issue, adding her voice to calls for the recommendations from the Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition being implemented, ensuring safe events for all.

She added: “Every Summer we see flags, effigies, political posters and other racist and sectarian symbols placed on bonfires, not to mention concerns around bonfires being built on land close to houses, play parks and so on.  This isn’t sustainable year on year.

“It’s also important to be clear – everyone has the right to celebrate their culture, but this must be done in a lawful, safe and respectful way. As I’ve said many times, this isn’t about removing tradition or policing culture, it is about safety, it is about respect and it is about building communities where celebration does not come at the expense of others.

“The FICT report must be assessed by cross-departmental programme board, with the goal of producing an action plan for implementation. This will require collaboration will statutory agencies and is on all of us to work together to deliver a safer way forward for everyone.

“Leadership is needed, cooperation is needed and action is needed.  Our communities deserve safe celebrations, free from hate and free from harm.”