Written Answers. - Race Relations Legislation.
Trevor Sargent
Question:
40
Mr. Sargent
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs
his view on whether there is a need for race relations legislation in Northern Ireland; the plans, if any, he has to persuade the British Government to provide such legislation for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[5298/95]
I wish to see the principle of equality of opportunity and advantage implemented at all levels and in all contexts in Northern Ireland.
Under the Anglo-Irish Agreement, the Irish and British Governments are committed to "a society in Northern Ireland in which all may live in peace, free from discrimination and intolerance".
Most recently, in the Joint Framework Document, the two Governments have stated that we envisage that the arrangements set out in the document will be complemented and underpinned by "an explicit undertaking on the part of each Government, equally, to ensure in its jurisdiction in the island of Ireland, in accordance with its constitutional arrangements, the systematic and effective protection of common specified civil, political, social and cultural rights". We will discuss and seek agreement with the parties in Northern Ireland "as to what rights should be so specified and how they might best be further protected, having regard to each Government's overall responsibilities including its international obligations".
I believe that in these discussions the issue of race relations legislation could very appropriately be considered.
The two Governments have also suggested in the Framework Document that democratic representatives from both jurisdictions in Ireland might adopt a charter or convenant, one of whose components would involve a commitment to "the right to equal opportunity in all social and economic activity, regardless of class, creed, gender and colour".
As the Deputy will be aware, it is the Government's intention to introduce in this jurisdiction equal status legislation which will prohibit discrimination on a wide range of grounds, including "race, colour, nationality or national or ethnic origins".
Against this background, I would favour consideration by the British Government of the introduction of legislation to outlaw discrimination on racial grounds in Northern Ireland, while recognising that the primary grounds on which discrimination has occurred in Northern Ireland have been, and continue to be, those of religious or political belief.
