NI Young Life and Times Survey: 2024

Year: 2024
Module: Community Relations
Variable: COMMENTS

Below are the responses to the open-ended question:
'Is there anything else you would like to say about community relations in Northern Ireland?'

Note: Responses have been edited for spelling or grammatical reasons, if necessary.

They're shit as hell, and way to prejudice to each other it makes Northern Ireland a terrible place to live

Side-effects from the Troubles do still exist with some communities around isolating themselves.

I think it's only going to get worse as people are furious about all of the crime people that have moved here from other countries have done. Also with most of those crimes being men harassing young girls it can make me myself feel a lot more scared than I used to being out by myself, for example even walking home I feel the need to constantly look over my shoulder even in broad daylight.

Personally I have experienced more hatred and bitterness from the loyalist side of the community, I think it’s embarrassing that we live in a country where Protestants and Catholics separate from each other. I wish we could leave it in the past. - I also think that foreign nationals coming into the country need to contribute to society and assimilate into our culture. - When I have to walk past a group of Bulgarians Pakistanis or whatever it is in the street I feel intimidated and also like I am being replaced in my own country. I feel like the foreigner.

I don't like how there are distinct areas in Northern Ireland that are either Protestant dominant or Catholic dominant whereby those people of those communities feel the need to raise flags and paint/ spray paint hateful or offensive things towards each other. It feels like these people are claiming their territory on this part of the island. As I am neither a member of the Catholic nor Protestant community I feel I cannot wear certain tops e.g. a rangers football top, a Celtic football top, a GAA top. This is due to the fact that if I wear one of these items, a member of the other community will dislike it or take offence. Another issue is that quite often I will be asked what religion I am and my answer will dictate how that person views me. I have actually lost friends over this silly debate about 'superior religions' as people my age do not view each other as equal. Personally, I can see how parents of teens my age have passed on their prejudice and this has helped to keep the divide between groups wide. Because of the ongoing tensions particularly between these two religious groups, we see a large divide in communities and it's only going to get worse. I myself don't understand why people are still behaving like this and would much rather that we embrace the country we are all a part of and the community we can create.

I believe that there isn't much of a problem anymore

Depends where you live and religious prejudice is passed down not born with

I feel there is still a divide due to religion but it's definitely not as strong as it was in the past

I believe there is a Prejudice for LGBTQ+

I think that the closer we get to a united Ireland the loyalist community will get more violent

Schools need to be more integrated

I think it is very generational and the children actually don't care about others religion and it doesn't make a difference anymore and the ones who do want to live I their parents time

I think it's all stupid we should all get along

People need to get over the whole Catholics v Protestants thing. Religion is NOT that deep and it's literally the same god? Same thing with any minority group, it's not that deep. nobody is hurting you by being a POC, LGBT+ or religious/not religious. it makes no sense to me

I took part in shared education and the Protestant teacher was prejudice to us Catholic students

From my experience, I've found that Catholics hold distain for Protestants due to extreme loyalism causing NI to lose their culture. A huge example of this is the Irish language and strong link to England's rather than Ireland.

No thanks, I have provided as much information as i possibly can on the community.

Political backing of things outside of the North are tearing us further apart - Catholics and Palestine; and Protestants and Isreal and Trump.

I only picked for my children to hang out with their own religion as they will bond more as they have more in common, but I personally don't mind who they hang with.

There can be people who don't get along with people outside of their religion, but for me it doesn't matter about religion just who the person is and how they act.

Communities need to be more accepting of diverse cultures and ethnicities , needing more activities to create a bigger feeling of inclusivity and to make others feel more welcome.

No I just don't take part in anything in northern Ireland

I love where we live, everything is pretty peaceful.

Just really divided and can't see that ever changing

Our main religion is Christianity officially, there is no need to try for a "diverse" welcoming country, if you don’t feel included here, you’re not meant here- so don’t come. Eg immigrants

They are not that good

I have only a hate for Protestants due to past behaviour in football and on the street I love the Islamic faith and have great relationships with Muslims and friends with many some people in my neighbourhood hate all race and religions but I only hate Protestants

It's a great country and my community is very close and I feel we need more Protestant events to take place, as I feel my area is very intimidated by Catholic and minority ethnic groups hosting events. I believe the Irish language act of 2022 should be banned as we should be trying to take time improving other skills.

They are poor

I think we need to stop being prejudice to other religions and ethnic minorities

Bring back United Ireland and get rid of the prods

More could be done to encourage community relations in Northern Ireland

There are two buses to school one for the Protestant schools and one to the Catholic schools and bus drivers used to be rude to people on my bus assumed to be because we were Catholics

I wish everyone got along better, I still feel like there's prejudice between different religions and different cultures.

The relationship between Catholics and Protestants are good when both religions understand the history of their religion in Northen Ireland and respect people's views but relations are bad when people don't respect other people's views and the history between the religions and the harm that it has caused

I did shared education projects in primary school and attended a mixed primary school and had good experiences. However I attended a Catholic secondary school and had a bad experience during shared education as I was insulted by members of the opposite religion. This ruined the experience for me and I feel this is shown in my answers. My extended family includes members of other religions, no religion and ethnic minority.

People need to start accepting that not everybody will be who they want that person to be. The religion shouldn't play a part in an individual or society inclusive and civilised behaviour.

Whatever happens, no one will forget all the injustices to them and their community, our history will always hang over us.

Children have grown up with what their parents have taught them therefore in my opinion children from a young age should be taught in school about the troubles for example so they have an understanding from a young age because now in secondary school you have kids who are extremely racist and rude all because their parents and families have taught them from a young age cause they didn't know better and primary schools were too scared to talk about the troubles.

People often decide not to mix with certain communities immediately after finding out what background they are from, so I really believe it’s based off of that.

Sectarianism is the worst in Northern Ireland, never seen or heard of sectarianism in any other place apart from here

Religious conflict is more prominent in areas such as cities like Belfast where there is a bigger scale of segregation and family influenced prejudice. Regarding shared education, I experienced this in primary school with a local Protestant primary school. This scheme was awkward and connections were forged as both students including myself from the primary schools we attended knew that we were different from one another. Additionally, public services such as leisure centres, libraries, and shops should be open to the general public disregarding religion or ethnic background. However, not many people would feel comfortable journeying to a leisure centre or library if it were located in a ethnoreligious community as its intimidating and there's no sense of connection.

No. However it needs to change.

I think that the community within Northern Ireland while at times is strained has been greatly strengthened. However, I fear with migration while this may strengthen inner relationships, both communities may gain a growth in hatred towards foreign religious influence.

I believe that divisions in Northern Ireland no longer come from a place of hatred like before but from fear and a lack of understanding

There is a lack of community relations regardless of religion. Someone’s religious background is of no concern to me. However, it seems to be moving away from Protestant versus Catholic. I guess it really depends on upbringing, parental values and beliefs and how society, schools and social media tries to dictate what or who is right and how young children are influenced. - One thing that is discussed and argued about daily is "foreigners" even if born here, they are still viewed as foreigners. This is because many choose not to integrate with the people of Northern Ireland. It looks like "they" move here, take advantage of our systems and do not contribute as much as they should. When out and about they can be seen in groups, which is intimidating, there seems to be a total lack of respect of housing. Many in one house, rubbish and filth around the property, it is viewed as dirty and unacceptable, eg bringing down the tone. There is also the issue of manners, respect, and following the rules or what is socially acceptable behaviour, dictated for centuries in Northern Ireland. Please, thank you, holding a door, waiting your turn, crossing the street to name a few. Some ethnic groups are definitely favoured over others this is purely due to how they behave and treat the county and the people native to here. The colour of the skin or religious beliefs aren't the issue, unless it goes against the law of the land.

I don’t get what the big deal about being Catholic or being Protestant or not being from here. I’m Protestant and I have a lot of Catholic friends and I have friends from Romania, Poland, Russia and Lithuania

I DONT KNOW ENOUGH

Undeniably improving among younger generations such as my own. Although youth, from my experience mainly loyalist, influenced by paramilitary work and orange hall groups to be sectarian

I don't really care about religion

Teenage boys mostly from Protestant backgrounds are rude, and racist

I believe they have improved over time but I have seen and experienced prejudice due to religion. I believe integration is the way forward to treat this problem and teach children from a young age religion or ethnicity don't divide us instead unite us, and help open their minds.

It badly affects politics. The politicians are more focused on the orange-green divide than actually doing anything about the state of things. Also, schools should teach more about the Troubles to give young people a clear understanding of what exactly happened so they don't resent people their age who had nothing do to with it over atrocities committed years ago

I think sectarian views are passed down from parents who went through the troubles to their children and that's why it's not entirely better than it was 5 years ago

I don't want to sound racist but I would say that people in not just Northern Ireland but the UK as a whole feel rather negative towards ethnic groups as in recent events it feels like we are treated as second class citizens in our own country due to the government.

Most conflict is due to loyalty to religious identity and local communities rather than religion itself, the lack of diversity of cultures and religion due to past segregation is what allows this to continue.

Everyone needs to back off on LGBTQ harassment and stop revoking rights that were hard to achieve in the first place. This community is not causing harm or offence. If people don't like it, just don't get involved.

They stem from bigotry and intergenerational trauma

From experience the elder people don't like the younger people that much

The violence that happens in NI isn't from Protestant and Catholic Relations, the troubles ended 26 years ago. The main cause of violence is relations with immigrants, and the economic problems people face because of them.

I think that people from different religions generally get on well with each other unless someone does something against someone else and then there can be disagreements

It’s sad how people decide to hate each other and hurt each other all based on political, religious or ethnic beliefs

Nothing that hasn't been brought up already

ITS ALL A LOAD Of MALARKY STOP ASKING STUPID QUESTIONS

People can't see past a person’s religion. They can't just see the person as themselves.

Parents nowadays are very strict when it comes to being in certain areas, especially in Belfast. Their views, in my opinion, are very outdated. I am not saying that they are wrong, but what I am saying is that they maybe need to learn more about what is happening now. I know I am not allowed to certain places because it is Protestant and my family is afraid of me getting hurt. But I have a lot of Protestant friends who I just see as normal people who wouldn't hurt me in the slightest.

Everybody will hate each other forever. There will never be true peace. If Catholics and Protestants finally get along they'll hate Muslims, or Jews, or Hindus-this is a country made of war and hate

I belief that community relations are a standstill they are neither improving or worsening

I think it is mainly the older generations who hold onto prejudice against sects of religion and ethnic minority groups. Most young people I've met don't really have these same biases.

Absolutely atrocious especially on social media.

I'd usually prefer my own religion, but I've got many friends from other religions. I don't think religion matters at all, although it’s not the way things are in NI

Many integrated schools cater to their Protestant children and their values and traditions more than they do Catholics

I feel that as a community, Northern Ireland has grown and developed so much since the troubles, however no matter how hard we try and grow, there will always be some sense of divide. I see myself as neutral and treat people on both sides equally, I have many Protestant and Catholic friends however I believe that deep down I always will have some background noise stereotyping Protestant people, I think this is mainly due to how I was raised, rebel music, and traditions.

Sometimes the young people can be intimidating and quite rude. I find that most young people that i am friendly with an around often do not have strong opinions on religion, however many young people are quite discriminatory and prejudice against people of different races, religions etc. or even people who dress differently to them

It's always a place where u need to look behind u in case someone is following you or you need to be careful who u speak to in case they could get ur windows done in or through paint over ur house, we don't feel safe here anymore especially as women

Personally I've never cared much for religions and sometimes people can be pushy about it but I find that having mixed religions in society or mixed ethnic groups can help people open up and to be proud about being different.

Not really, I personally think they are quite good.

They are improving

Everybody needs to be kind to each other

Pretty bad between political and ethnic groups compared to other nations, sectarianism and racism is rooted deep in the people here.

Barely see any Catholics in the area so wouldn't know

Absolutely pathetic. Communities are being torn apart from the sheer amount of migrant freeloaders being placed everywhere. More often than not these men are violent, thieves and on several occasions acted out sexual violence on girls/women in the towns. For the likes of Catholics and Protestants that's something that these two groups can usually agree on, which given the history between two sides, that agreement has weight. Communities do not feel safe with these immigrants here and every citizen of this country has every right and more to think as much. For the most part these views would be brushed of as prejudice, but most citizens can confirm via their own anecdotes that this is a major crisis that is ruining not only our countries economy and safety, but our community.

Sectarianism will always exist in Northern Ireland. The Troubles may have ended officially, yet never mentally deprived from people's heads. Society has become more secular in recent years, however some people sustain their staunch opinions and refuse to educate themselves on the contrasting beliefs of others, and ignorance of society to discriminate or prejudice someone for their religion will unfortunately always exist.

Stop burning 20 meter bonfires like, damn chill out and just put the money into an account or something instead of literally burning it to the ground in the form of £2 pallets -

Idk

Peaceful

I just want there to be equality and peace

I believe there is still prejudice coming from both sides even after shared education, speaking from my own personal and family's experiences. I also think this should not be the case and should be more effort placed into forming bonds between communities through discussion rather than just avoiding uncomfortable conversations which are never spoken about during shared education.

Speaking from my local area, Protestants and Catholics are divided in sense of parades and gatherings, but occasions like soccer groups, they are mixed, but it's obvious that one both Catholic and Protestants don't interact as much as they do among themselves.

Not really

They could be a lot better than they are now

There's always going to be a few people that will think more strongly about their religion and others religion.

Catholic and Protestant relations have improved but in certain areas their opinions can be intimidating and usually we only have problems because people are raised a certain way otherwise most people get on

Not sure I can speak for every person in every part of NI

I rarely see any hostility between religions in my school even as we are a mixed school however there is still a distinct divide sometimes present

People with negative views of Catholics / Protestants usually get that view from their family's beliefs and it is rare to pick up that hatred from anywhere else.

Efforts of community projects and schemes have played a part in improving relations however certain incidents and prejudice cause these improvements to be destroyed

It depends on what area of Northern Ireland you focus on - the countryside compared to the town have very different relations with their respective communities.

Certain aspects have developed and changed for the better however some people have kept their strong political views over certain religious but in my opinion it boils down to how the person was raised and them as a person

I don’t know what the relations status is I’m not really involved

I think that having cross community religions can be important to diversify areas however it can be comforting to be surrounded by people with similarities to you like religion. I believe that Protestants and Catholics will anyways have tensions, primarily laid down to the generational pass down of views and actions from parents. while i believe that the relation has improved over the decades, without change from the parents i don't think there will ever be complete understanding between the two.

People could try to be nicer to one another

STOP ILLEGALS NOW! THE YOUTH DONT WANT YOUR FOUL MELTING POT, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE STOP REPLACING YOUR OWN PEOPLE. WANTING TO LIVE AMONG YOUR OWN IS *NOT* RACIST.

They could still be greatly improved, while many of the youth nowadays don't hold outward prejudice (like beating someone for their religion), they still have many passive prejudices. Whether passing comments, verbal 'jokes' etc etc

Community relations could be better but I don’t think it’s going to change

I don't know. Religion isn't the problem in Northern Ireland. The problem is racism. Every time I go into a shop I am followed around by the security guards. It isn't just with me, it is with my family members as well. Which makes doesn't make me feel like I belong in any community.

I do not support those who parade on the streets for either Protestant or Catholic reason as a lot of them are hypocrites, not all of them but a good few are. -

If schools and areas were more integrated community relations would be better

Not really as I feel community relation in my area, school and where I train is equal and understanding of each other

I don't know

It depends on the time of the year we're religions affect the community

I think there should be more done to teach children about other religions. Especially in primary schools as removing biases and educating on other religions at a young age would help remove the stereotypes and prejudice in NI now.

I truly do not know if relations will improve or weaken between Catholics and Protestants. I don't think that the religious conflicts strongly motivate people's actions and how they interact with others as people are becoming more secular.

I don’t understand why they have beef

Sometimes when there are Protestant marches people ask you what religion you are. That could always be a trick I say silent personally because I don't know which one I am. My mum is Catholic and my dad is Protestant. I think hate for either Israeli-Palestinian conflict has risen, they expect you to choose a side. I also feel like it matters what gender you are, in school people may make fun of you for being gay, or people treat you better if you are a guy, it doesn't seem as important to look out for girls.

Not really, I would definitely like for relations to get better even though they have there is still a lot of work to be done.

That for the most part everyone helps each other the best they can. but can be disrespectful

I think they are steadily improving

Sectarianism is so bad, and it entirely comes from parents/communities passing on these views to their kids.

I believe that the communities have come to an understanding that all religions should be the same no difference should be made.

There needs to be more opportunities and leisure activities for children and teens to be at, more skateparks , more cinemas, more stuff! Teens are resorting to drugs and hard alcohol usage now because there aren’t enough opportunities in small Protestant towns

From my own experience, I find that the majority of people I meet from the Protestant community, for example, are eager to get along with me, a Catholic. I believe that it is a small number of people who decide to maintain this prejudice, but often, it is those people who have a lot of influence and can do a considerable amount of damage.

I think that too many people care about it and I think everyone should mind their own business and not care about other people’s beliefs and treat everyone respect regardless

Personally I don't feel safe in some areas I'm not sure if anybody else would feel the same was as I do. I can't help but to feel unsafe or uneasy.

Don't know much about them

They are alright but could be improved

Not really

I think there is far more hatred aimed at other ethnic groups instead of the traditional hatred of extreme Protestant and Catholic groups

I believe community relationships in Northern Ireland are quite great today. There may be instances of the opposite, but overall they are great.

People are very prejudiced in the neighbourhood I am currently in, I think mainly it is the younger generation are not as educated. Whereas the one I used live at everyone was friendly and it was also a mixed background

I think that the culture surrounding the 12th of July is incredibly intimidating, racist, sectarian and offensive. We cannot expect cross community relations to improve if we as a society condone and normalise intimidation of Catholics and Ethnic Minorities, done through the burning of flags such as the Tricolour or the Palestinian flag, the burning of election posters and slurs being written on bonfires.

Amongst the teenage generation of today’s society I believe the relations between each religion is bitter and I feel there is no hope for relations improving unfortunately.

Shared education, from what I have saw while not being involved has greatly improved relations between both religious sides in Northern Ireland

I don't really care about Catholics and Protestants, I am a Protestant myself and most of the people I am friends with are Catholic

There is tolerance of each other but there is also a sort of misunderstanding of each other

I don't think so

They are getting better but the youth are getting more hostile

I believe we should all aspire to make things more inclusive in our community however some people's bias and beliefs are too one sided which will always be a barrier for them

I think the community relations have went downhill recently because of the genocide in Gaza as it seems each side of our community has picked a side in that conflict. We've also seen a rise in racism as more ethnic minorities are integrating into the communities.

I think race and religion will always play a part in Northern Ireland. No matter how things have changed there will be people still not wanting to move on from the hatred of Catholics and Protestants

I believe there is still a surprisingly and fairly large amount of prejudice between all groups ethnic, religious, etc. that action must be taken against.

Less sectarianism

They're super bad but nobody really cares so it's not that big of a deal.

Much stronger than other countries' relations

No, everything is fine and people are respectful and kind to each other

They have gotten better over the past couple of years with the Union Jack flag and tri flag being put together for the first time in years in Belfast last year

Community relations in Northern Ireland in my opinion hasn't changed for the better nor for worse ever since the troubles

That everyone should let the past be the past.

Slurs are thrown around like they're nothing

I think everything that I had on my mind got told in the previous question's

There needs to be more education of Catholicism in Protestant schools as my brother (who goes to a predominantly Protestant school) has very little knowledge on it, however Catholics have more extensive knowledge on Protestantism and Catholicism. That or there needs to be more/ improved religious education in Protestant schools.

Just chill out lads if you're good craic and a good mate your religion is no bother to me big lad

Mainly the fact that there's good work being done to bring people together, for example, my granny lives in a fold where there's people of many religions

I think that everyone is very happy

I think things are progressing, but I think people who only attend Catholic sports like the GAA and go to Catholic schools don't mix with Protestants or people from other religions so are more stuck in the past and prejudiced than those who do mix.

Protestants and Catholics fighting is stupid cause they’re not even religious anymore.

Religiously segregated schools are one of the key things holding Northern Ireland back from becoming a harmonious society

Sometimes its ok, but from my own experience even wearing a Protestant school uniform and entering a Catholic neighbourhood draws distaste, I have no doubt that it’s the same the other way around. I personally feel like relations between the Protestant and Catholic community has gotten worse especially amongst young people as our generation has picked up the hatred of past generations. It’s no longer about religion anymore

I believe that community relations between Catholics and Protestants will always have a set distance between each other.

I feel like as a community people are close but could be closer, minor things are setting people back like being afraid or unsure of the people they are surrounded by

Most people are friendly and kind.

Catholics stay at their side of [names town] and Protestant stay on their side of [names town]

At least get to know someone before judging them for race or religion

I think that Northern Ireland is a very prejudice place due to history of the Troubles and I believe young people are prejudice mainly between Catholic and Protestant religions rather than other religions. I'm aware that most people I know, including myself would be prejudiced towards the opposite religion, however I'm also aware that that is not how we should think of each other as we all live in the same place so we should learn that we are more than just people from certain religions but actually all just human.

I hope divides lessen and we all get along better.

No, I will say Northern Ireland has some parts that are very diverse and different but we all try to get along with each other and respect each other and I think that alone is enough to make a community a better place for its people.

We are not enemies. I relate more to a unionist Protestant in east Belfast than I do with the people who have control of the nation

Still obvious sectarianism towards Catholics especially by unionist governments

Everyone hates everyone.

I suppose the trauma from the troubles will always make Northern Ireland hold a sort of hostility

My generation is the next after the Troubles, fact is I've met very bigoted people that dislike me because of where I come from and my religion, the hatred is past down to the next generation and it continues on. Although majority of the people I've met have been lovely, no issues with them.

I think there is still a long way to go to integrate society

I believe cross community projects are highly beneficial, such as the ulster project who i recommend to everyone.

Host events which satisfy all religions

It’s shit

I think there will always be distaste between Protestants and Catholics as they are all stuck in the past and they refuse to move forwards and stay closed minded.

I feel it could be better

Not the best. at least a few riots every year up in Creggan. - The Derry City F.C Ultras sing pro IRA songs

I think that community relations in Northern Ireland are strained due to people letting their generational hate decide how they feel about someone else's religion, race or even gender

I mean relations will improve ig. It's not like ik anyone who actually hates Protestants. Except for like one super indoctrinated person,I feel like we should just stop doing bad things to each other. Sorry if that's a hot take but you won't get Catholics to like u by burning tricolour and vice versa. I mean our parents all lived through the troubles and we hear all those stories so we can't be expected to all hold hands in forgiveness but when our generation are having their own kids it probably won't be as bad I guess. Idk my frontal lobe isn't developed yet my biggest issue in like isn't cross community relations it's the shoes I bought on vinted. :/

Please be more respectful towards each other, one of my best friends got harassed the other day in Belfast by quite a scary woman who was stalking us

We play Protestant Vs Catholic football games. Good craic

I think majority of people are civil with people being Catholic or Protestant but some people are completed again those who are opposite to them.

The younger the person is the less they tend to care about ethic communities in my opinion

More properly integrated schools instead of mostly prod or Catholic

I think that they're all mostly even and nothing prejudice

Seems to be more of an issue in schools over the outside world. - Workshops etc have all been provided but some students lack maturity and are simply disrespectful at times but this is not a regular occurrence

I sometimes feel a bit wary of paramilitary presence in my area and feel unsafe walking in that area, particularly at night.

Personally, I think that community relations in Northern Ireland are stronger than they have ever been before. All towns and villages are open and welcoming to everyone and encourage community involvement as a way to express all different cultures and religions.

I still feel its divided as you can easily tell what parts of town are Protestant and what are Catholic

Northern Ireland has grown to have diversity over the last 40 years and I think out of a personal opinion I think it all depends on what part of Northern Ireland that you live in because there is always certain part worse than others

Living in a rural community there is not much opportunity to make relation with other religions

Politicians don't listen to the youth.

Some communities have zero tolerance for mixing and it forces division between many groups and communities

I think it's fine to talk to people from other religions but I personally wouldn't go out of my way, it doesn't matter if I know you first though

Areas are split off like west and east Belfast

I feel as though your religion/beliefs really have an effect as to how you are treated in some areas.

I think they will be better soon

People usually stick to their own kind

Overall relations are good however I still feel like there is tension between different groups

They're really unsteady sometimes and it's easy to get stuck in specific mindsets

Every school should be integrated with different ethnic backgrounds.

People think it’s better than it is -

People need to realise were all humans made of the same skin and bones and get on together

I believe the main drivers of conflict, such as discrimination towards the Catholic community, are no longer as pressing in our society. I am quite optimistic about cross community relations in the future.

I believe it would be very beneficial for us as a society to not prejudice someone by their religion. As a Catholic I have grown up being taught to be cautious and steer clear of Protestant areas because of the risks that could put me into danger simply because I am Catholic, and I am sure Protestants are raised being taught the same thing about Catholics. We should never feel unsafe in a place/town in our home because of our religious beliefs and I strongly believe we need to make a difference to this because no one deserves to be at risk because of their religion.

I feel like many people make it a competition on what religion is better and I feel like it’s very childish

Relations are definitely improving but tensions will always be there.

I think that now compared to the past people don't really care about people's religion as much, but it's always going to be something that affects the community given the country’s history

I think they're good the way they are now but there's a lot we could be doing different

I feel Christianity in NI has been used to try reason for violence when the Bible tells us to love one another.

Get the Prods out

Get along together we are all the same

Community relations between different religions needs a lot of work, integration is key to keeping peace, but we do need to reflect that both Catholic and Protestant extremists have committed horrible acts.

It would be nice if we could all live together as equals

TBUC [government initiative] has helped me improve my views on this topic

No point not going to change

People in different relations treat people in other relations bad because that's part of the ‘norm' in Northern Ireland, and they feel it is because it should be only Catholics here.

The community relations currently are stable. However as previously stated the relations may be deteriorating.

I hope there will be more spaces for community and more people who actually feel part of a community in the future

People need to get over themselves at the end of the day everyone is human

Dirty Taigs [Catholics]

I think it's appalling that there is still such a barrier between Protestants and Catholics and they then pass that hatred for 1 another onto their children and then it so instilled into their children as well.

I believe it is disrespectful of Protestants to claim their culture is just disrespecting another. burning tricolours is not culture, it is cruel -

I don't have much to say.

No I think everything was covered.

They could still be better

People treat others the same as they have been treated, I know lots of people from other religions who have been very kind to me, however I have met more who have been unkind

Getting better through share education

I believe relations between the two communities will improve a substantial amount in the next decade or two however I don't believe much change will happen in the next 5 years.

The relations between communities in the North of Ireland (between Catholics and Protestants specifically) are still very divided. I know from personal experiences that I feel very intimidated when going to areas where union jacks are hanging from every lamp post and wall possible in the town. I tend to never stop in them if I'm ever wearing GAA gear as it's been drilled into me since I was young the harassment I could and have faced because of this. There is still so much improvement to be made, and personally this should start with other cultures not forcing their beliefs down each others throats.

I THINK THAT NOWADAYS CATHOLICS AND PROTESTANTS ARE BECING LESS SEGREGATED IN SOME AREAS

I like the NI community

I feel like its idiotic the 'hatred' between Catholic and Protestants, since we are all people that just should stop hating others for what their religion has done in the past. I'm not saying that we should forget/overlook the historical events but I'm saying blaming a person for what their religion did in the past is just plain idiotic and closeminded

I'm not a very biased person as I hate being one sided

Not enough for teenagers to do

I currently don't have any opinion on community relations within Northern Ireland

I think we should not mix in religious conventions such as parades or Catholic sport.

They will never be that good

Well, I know many people my age who make insensitive 'jokes' about different communities. Let's just say that if their digital footprints got leaked they are not getting employed. - - I should be saying more but I am struggling to articulate myself properly. I'm assuming the main aspect of the 'community relations' section is about the problem of discrimination between the different denominations of Christianity. However I have never experienced this type of discrimination so I don't have much to say. The area where I live is nice and I feel like I am very privileged. - - That's all I can think of. I hope this was helpful! :) -

Shared education does nothing but further highlight the current segregation of Catholics and Protestants. Not enough effort is being made to create change in our generation and rebuild the bridges that were destroyed from the troubles.

It's very location based , certain areas both republican and loyalist I would stay clear of . However majority of my area is safe

Some decisions made regarding celebrations are not equal and

I think in terms of difference of religion, relations between Protestants and Catholics will not improve soon unless something drastic changes

Good

Cool

It remains fragile at times of the year and unfortunately there is a lack of tolerance on occasions due to generational sectarian beliefs

No thank you, but I'm hoping to see more events to unite each other.

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