The Deputy Chair of the TEO Committee was speaking after the publication of the latest Good Relations Indicators report, which shows that social integration between young people from different religious communities in Northern Ireland has declined during the last 10 years, while young peoples’ perception of relationships between Protestant and Catholic communities has also gone backwards.

“Relations and integration between young people from different religious backgrounds in Northern Ireland are going backwards. This is entirely unacceptable, and the First and deputy First Minister must explain what their plan is to address it,” Mr Dickson said.

“More than 25 years have passed since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, so we have entire generations of young people who weren’t born during the Troubles, yet their lives continue to be so significantly defined by the segregation and suspicion of the past. In this supposedly post-conflict era, why do we still have so few of our young people living, socialising and being educated with peers from different community backgrounds?

“This latest evidence only confirms what Alliance has been saying for years – the work of the peace process is far from complete, and we need to re-energise our approach to community relations, reconciliation and integration. Specifically, this means an enhanced and fully funded Good Relations Strategy, along with a concerted effort from all government departments and organisations operating in the public sector to contribute to improving good relations.

“Our young people need this to be a priority for government, otherwise we will continue to condemn future generations to the divisions and tensions of the past.”