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19/08/2024
Frontline Housing Staff Praised For 'Courage And Commitment'
Frontline housing staff have been recognised for their "courage and commitment" in the light of a rise in hate crime attacks, by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.
Minister Lyons visited Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) staff in Antrim.
During the visit, the Minister said: "I want to pay tribute today to the courage and commitment of frontline housing staff in the light of a rising number of hate crime attacks.
"Over the last 12 months, 131 hate crime incidents have been reported, with 22 taking place in the first week in August. These target people who are entitled to live in safety and peace in their homes and also housing staff who are simply doing their job.
"I commend our housing teams including those in the Housing Executive, Housing Associations and Supported People and Homelessness providers, who continue to support tenants, including children and the most vulnerable in our society, to keep them safe from harm despite coming under threat themselves."
The Minister added: "I am working closely with my Ministerial colleagues and I welcome the united political leadership on this issue in Northern Ireland. There's never any justification for violence and it should not be tolerated.
"I would encourage anyone who has experienced any form of attack to come forward knowing that they will be supported by the Department's agencies and those within criminal justice."
Minister Lyons visited Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) staff in Antrim.
During the visit, the Minister said: "I want to pay tribute today to the courage and commitment of frontline housing staff in the light of a rising number of hate crime attacks.
"Over the last 12 months, 131 hate crime incidents have been reported, with 22 taking place in the first week in August. These target people who are entitled to live in safety and peace in their homes and also housing staff who are simply doing their job.
"I commend our housing teams including those in the Housing Executive, Housing Associations and Supported People and Homelessness providers, who continue to support tenants, including children and the most vulnerable in our society, to keep them safe from harm despite coming under threat themselves."
The Minister added: "I am working closely with my Ministerial colleagues and I welcome the united political leadership on this issue in Northern Ireland. There's never any justification for violence and it should not be tolerated.
"I would encourage anyone who has experienced any form of attack to come forward knowing that they will be supported by the Department's agencies and those within criminal justice."
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