Published Tuesday, 27 July 2010
A panel of ministers will be established to take forward the Government`s commitment to equality and inclusiveness through a Cohesion, Sharing and Integration Initiative (CSI).
Interface trouble like that in Ardoyne earlier this month will be among the issues tackled. Protection of migrant workers who have fallen on hard times will also be a key theme.
This year`s Hillsborough powersharing discussions promised to end the logjam on issues like this and progress is a priority of new Alliance Party Justice Minister David Ford.
DUP First Minister Peter Robinson said: "We want to build a society where everyone shares in and enjoys the benefits of peace and stability.
"The programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration will address issues impacting on disaffected young people, tackle the conditions that perpetuate urban interfaces and rural segregation, as well as addressing those issues facing both established minority ethnic groups and new arrivals within our community."
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said it could help co-ordinate Government action against sectarianism, racism and all forms of hate.
"Working together, we will build a shared and better future for all based on fairness, equality, rights, responsibilities and respect," he added.
"Events within our community in recent weeks emphasise how important it is for dialogue, agreement and joint working.
"We want to build a society where people can live, work and socialise in safe, shared and accessible facilities. We want a future based on equality, sharing, respect and understanding."
The 76-page public consultation was launched on Tuesday and will run until October 29 this year.
A ministerial panel established under the draft proposals would ensure interface violence is addressed, and would safeguard vulnerable groups and tackle wider sectarianism.
It will aim to create more shared space and ensure rapid responses to hate crime.
The Executive will examine what support can be given to migrants who were working but find themselves out of work.
Patrick Yu, the Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities' executive director, said they had been relentlessly lobbying for peaceful co-existence between all communities in the province.
"We have also campaigned for the setting up of a crisis fund for individuals who slip through the safety net through no fault of their own and end up in destitution and in need of short-term or bridging support," he said.
"We look forward to the Executive taking a proactive role in tackling difficult issues on immigration exceptions through a joined-up approach and strong partnership with community organisations."
Problems surrounding flags and emblems, bonfires and social issues entrenching community separation will be examined in the longer term.
The Alliance Party has warned of the massive cost of duplicating services like schools to ensure separate provision with a religious ethos.