Ford Praises GAA And Community Safety On Armagh Visit

Justice minister David Ford has praised the GAA for its continued commitment to community engagement and a shared future.

Mr Ford was speaking at the GAA's headquarters in County Armagh today, where he met representatives of the Ulster GAA Council to discuss, among other things, the GAA's cross-community initiatives.

The Alliance minister said: "A key priority for my Department and the Executive is a shared future for all. It is clear that the GAA have a similar vision through its programmes of work, which complement that of my Department on a shared future strategy.

"Ulster President Aogan Ó Fearghail and I discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including the GAA's Outreach Programme and 'Live to Play' campaign.

"I was impressed with the commitment of the GAA in developing their sport. Their role, however, goes well beyond that and I was equally impressed with the level of continued engagement with Government departments and the emergency services, as the GAA continues to deliver the 'Live to Play' campaign."

The minister also used his time in Armagh to meet with partners of the Armagh City and District Council's Community Crime Alert Scheme, and promote the new Community Safety Strategy.

Mr Ford said: "Whilst actual crimes against older and vulnerable people are thankfully rare, the impact of a burglary or violent crime has a disproportionate impact on an elderly person and their ability to cope.

"The new Community Safety Strategy sets out the priorities for action in addressing fear of crime and ensuring that older and vulnerable people feel safe."

(NE)