To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the implementation of the Racial Equality Strategy 2015 - 2025.

We want this to be a truly shared, equal and safe society for all our people, regardless of race or ethnicity. We therefore remain committed to the full implementation of the Racial Equality Strategy.

Progress has been made on a number of the key actions. For example, we have completed a review of the Minority Ethnic Development Fund (MEDF) to ensure it best supports local groups to promote good relations between people of different ethnic backgrounds. As a first step to implementing the recommendations the Fund was launched earlier this year and applicants have been notified of the outcome.

We have reviewed the Race Relations Order and are now preparing options for enhancing the legislation. The Racial Equality Subgroup has been engaged in this work to inform final options which we intend to consult this year.

Alongside this, the research into the feasibility of introducing ethnic monitoring has completed and we are now in receipt of the final report. This will require extensive engagement with departments and agencies to consider how best to take forward the recommendations and early engagement has commenced.

We will also shortly be consulting on a draft Refugee Integration Strategy.

We are under no illusion about the size of the challenge involved in tackling racial inequalities and it will require all of society to play their part. We will therefore continue to work with our Ministerial colleagues and stakeholders to drive this forward.