Ending hate crime must be a priority for politicians and the community, Junior Minister Gerry Kelly said.
"The term 'Hate Crime' confronts us. It screams of aggression and violence, of the intolerant and the irrational. It is, what it is, and we should never shy for using it and never hide from tackling it.
"Ending hate crimes in all their manifestations must be a top policy, top political and top community priority. That's precisely why I'm here today," the Minister said.
"These crimes have their origins in unacceptable attitudes and behaviours because someone is different to you and not in a position to defend themselves against attack. Let me be absolutely clear, the Executive is committed to tackling intolerance, inequality, prejudice and bigotry."
Lifeline
Michael McGimpsey visited the Lifeline headquarters to raise awareness of the new helpline number.
Lifeline is a regional helpline where calls are answered by trained counsellors who are experienced in dealing with suicide, self-harm, abuse, trauma, depression and anxiety. The number is: 0808 808 8000
Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls are free from all landlines and mobile phones.
Speaking as he was shown round Lifeline's offices, the Minister for Health said: "Suicide represents a tragic loss of life and it is everyone's responsibility to try and prevent it from happening. People often say that if they discuss their problem it never seems as bad because they can find ways of resolving issues. The people who answer the calls are trained counsellors. I am delighted that Lifeline is now fully operational and is offering services across Northern Ireland.
"The people who answer the calls are trained counsellors. They are available 24/7 to listen and provide help and support in the strictest confidence.
"They are trained to deal with issues such as suicide, self-harm, abuse, trauma, anxiety and depression. Lifeline provides immediate help over the phone line and can arrange appointments for counselling or other therapies in local areas. The counsellors can also put callers in contact with follow-up services to ensure you receive the best possible response to their needs," he added.
Links to Scotland
Transport Minister Conor Murphy MP, MLA met with Stewart Stevenson MSP, the Scottish Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change.
Speaking after the meeting in Edinburgh Minister Murphy said: "Co-operation and communication at Ministerial level are important to maintaining and improving transport links between the North of Ireland and Scotland.
"The focus of our discussion today was on transport links across the North Channel. Good transportation routes beyond the sea ports in the South West of Scotland are vital to the North of Ireland.
They are important not only for the economy in the efficient transport of freight and by facilitating tourism, but also for the great number of people visiting friends and relatives or travelling to sporting events,"he explained.
"As we discussed today, they are also important for the economic regeneration of this part of Scotland."
