The South Belfast MLA has said: "That a mere framework on race relations is all that the First and deputy First Minister have produced on racial equality after over two years in office, with actual legislation still to appear as we head into the summer, constitutes an astonishing failure right at the top of government.

“Especially given the fact that we have witnessed race riots on our streets every year since restoration. Riots that have caused fear and distress right across our society, particularly to those from an ethnic minority background, as well as significant economic damage.

"This failure to act on racial equality becomes even more apparent with the Chief Constable confirming that paramilitary groups were present and directing violence during these riots, yet such groups are not mentioned at all in the First and deputy First Minister's framework.

"It’s startling how little has been done by the First and deputy First Minister, and their department, to bring forward comprehensive policy and legislative solutions when it comes to tackling racist attitudes and delivering racial equality, as well as addressing the role paramilitaries play in stoking these tensions.

“Despite their so-far lack of willingness to so, we’d very much welcome them to come before their scrutiny committee and provide us with any clarity possible around their work in this area.”