The Equality Commission welcomes confirmation that the Shared Prosperity Fund has made over £57 million of funds available to community-based projects across Northern Ireland
Speaking about the funding announcement, Equality Commission Chief Commissioner, Geraldine McGahey said: “Whilst this announcement is very late in the day, we are pleased that this funding has been made available to help shore up some vital services for the next two years, but there are still some serious concerns for the future.
“EU funding has been significant in the promotion of equality of opportunity and good relations over many decades in Northern Ireland. Our society still faces many challenges which cannot be overcome without continued investment.
“It’s important now that Government takes stock and provides greater clarity on how the Shared Prosperity Fund will continue to support equality and address the needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable people.
“The UK Government and the Northern Ireland departments need to work together to identify and address any gaps in vital services that helped promote equality. Equality and good relations considerations need to be at the heart of all funding and policy decisions, to help secure the futures of our most marginalised and disadvantaged people”, concluded Ms McGahey.