The Executive Office

04/09/2026

Junior Ministers Joanne Bunting and Aisling Reilly welcomed Romanian Ambassador, Her Excellency Laura Popescu, and Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Oana Toiu, to Stormont Castle.
They spoke about a range of issues including areas of mutual interest, the potential for academic collaboration and economic opportunities.
They also discussed issues affecting the Romanian community here, and TEO’s ongoing work to improve race relations, community cohesion and the wellbeing of all our people.

01/09/2026

🎥 WATCH: Junior Minister Joanne Bunting joined Mela Day at Botanic Gardens to celebrate 20 years of the Belfast Mela.

Now one of Northern Ireland’s largest arts festivals, Mela brings together food, art, music and dance from across the world, celebrating the diversity that makes our city and communities so vibrant.

The Executive Office is proud to support Mela and its important role in promoting inclusion, celebrating diversity and strengthening community cohesion.

01/09/2026

Junior Minister Joanne Bunting attended the finale of this year’s Belfast Mela in Botanic Gardens. Speaking at the event, Junior Minister Bunting congratulated Nisha Tandon OBE and the team of ArtsEkta for turning a small grassroots gathering into an international showcase over the past 20 years.
She praised the Mela for bringing people together through food, music and dance, building connections and creating a stronger, more welcoming society for everyone.

30/08/2026

28/08/2026

27/08/2026

🎥WATCH: Junior Minister Aisling Reilly attended ‘Earth Child’ at the Titanic Slipways to celebrate 20 years of Belfast Mela.
Featuring aerial dance, global drumming, storytelling, live music and stunning performances, the event brought communities together to celebrate cultural diversity.

The Executive Office is proud to support the Mela and its important role in promoting inclusion and community cohesion.

26/08/2026

Junior Minister Aisling Reilly joined Belfast Mela’s 20th anniversary celebrations at Titanic Slipways for the ‘Earth Child’ outdoor theatre spectacle.
The Junior Minister congratulated ArtsEkta, Fidget Feet Aerial Dance and artist Gráinne Holland on an amazing show and praised the Mela for its role in promoting inclusion and understanding through culture, arts and shared experiences over the past two decades.

24/08/2026

Junior Minister Joanne Bunting attended an event in London to mark the first National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism.

The event was an opportunity to acknowledge the pain and loss experienced by victims and survivors and to reaffirm the Executive’s commitment to ensuring that all victims and survivors can access the support and services they need.

14/08/2026

First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have announced the appointment of Naomi Doak as a member of the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression.

Read more: https://www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/news/replacement-member-office-identity-and-cultural-expression-appointed

13/08/2026

Junior Minister Aisling Reilly was delighted to attend the All-Ireland Camogie Finals at Croke Park, to see Antrim take on Laois in the Intermediate Final.
The Junior Minister also watched the Senior Final between Cork and Galway. Armagh also secured a fantastic win over Cavan.
Minister Reilly said: “This is the biggest day in the camogie calendar, celebrating the talent, passion and dedication of players from across the island. A special comhghairdeas to Antrim, Armagh and Cork on fantastic wins and to every player and management team who reached these finals — your commitment, skill and dedication are a credit to the game.”