Holy Cross pupils were escorted to school again on Monday

On the third day of the new term in September the protest degenerated into violence when a blast bomb and stones were hurled at the school children and police accompanying them.

On Monday afternoon, loyalists held a protest outside the school and there was minor cat-calling and whistling as parents passed along the road, but it was relatively peaceful.

Earlier, there was a short delay as loyalists tried to block the road.

Sir Reg said: "Using school children as a focus for protest, whether that protest be legitimate or illegitimate, is wrong.

"Nobody, ultimately, can win because every community has its children and all children are therefore vulnerable to this sort of activity."

Fierce riots

Tensions at the Protestant-Catholic community interfaces in north Belfast have broken out into street violence many times throughout the summer.

Seamus Mallon (L) and Sir Reg Empey: Attempt to tackle community problems

But during recent weeks, the police have said rioting by loyalists and nationalists in north Belfast has been the most ferocious in nearly 20 years.

Loyalist and republican gunmen have fired automatic weapons, blast and petrol bombs at houses and the police, causing scores of injuries.

The two ministers said they wanted to highlight the Northern Ireland Executive's commitment to improving services in north Belfast in the recently published draft Programme for Government.

They said that "while recognising the difficulties that exist, it confirms that the Executive will continue to support local communities as they work to promote a culture of tolerance and mutual understanding, especially among young people".

Sir Reg said: "The executive has been working behind the scenes since early August in north Belfast.

"The security issues are of concern, but there is a need to look at the wider difficulties facing north Belfast, many of which have their roots in social and economic conditions."

Mr Mallon said a solid community infrastructure already existed in north Belfast, which should be utilised in resolving difficulties and promoting effective dialogue.

He said: "The executive is committed to resolving the long term problems facing troubled communities.

"As a first step in north Belfast we have acted by appointing by a senior liaison officer and have established an inter-departmental government committee as a demonstration of our determination to resolve the underlying issues.

"Whatever problems the people face and we know they are serious, they cannot be sorted out against a background of violence on our streets."