Review of Community Relations

In June 2008, the Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane initiated a review of the Department of Education’s (DE) Community Relations (CR) policy. The purpose of the review was to examine the current CR policy with a view to making recommendations to develop a new policy that would take account of the ongoing divisions, promote equality and work to eliminate discrimination between the two main communities. The review was also to focus on the wider concepts of diversity as well as the issues affecting the two main traditions.

A working Group was established with membership covering a wide range of perspectives together with knowledge and understanding of community relations and other pertinent issues relating to equality, human rights and children’s rights. Details of the Working Group, the evidence it considered and other relevant background documents can be found on the DE website at:

CRED Policy - annexes (WORD 224KB)

CRED Policy - annexes (PDF 268KB)

The Working Group developed a draft policy which was finalised by DE and published for public consultation from 6 September until 29 November 2010. The consultation received 72 formal responses as well as feedback provided through 8 public meetings. A separate exercise was undertaken through the Participation Network to seek the views of children and young people and their full report can be viewed:

Children and young people consultation - summary (WORD 62KB)

Children and young people consultation - summary (PDF 87KB)

An Analysis report summarising the responses to the consultation can be viewed:

CRED Analysis Report (WORD 588KB)

CRED Analysis Report (PDF 210KB)

The new policy, Community Relations, Equality and Diversity in Education, was launched on 24 March 2011.

Back to Top