The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland held a board meeting in Dungannon and met with people from across the Mid Ulster District Council area. The meeting took place at the offices of the South Tyrone Empowerment Programme (STEP) at The Junction.

Geraldine McGahey, Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission, said the commission wanted to hear directly from equality groups and their advocates about their experiences. She said these conversations help shape the commission's work and identify partnership opportunities to make Northern Ireland a place where everyone is valued and treated with dignity and respect.

McGahey noted this was the second time in recent years the board has met outside Belfast. She described the visit as worthwhile and said the commission gained valuable insights from those they met.

Fintan McAliskey, Chief Executive of STEP, said the organisation exists to help build a rights-based, participative, peaceful and prosperous society. He welcomed the Equality Commission's willingness to engage directly with people who experience inequality, poverty and exclusion. McAliskey said he was particularly delighted to see many young people participating in the conversations.

Local MP Cathal Mallaghan also attended the event.