Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 1

Written Answers. - Anti-Irish Racism.

Austin Deasy

Question:

54 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he and the Irish Embassy in London have been assisting Irish citizens who feel that they have been the victims of racism in Britain and Northern Ireland because of the new anti-racist laws introduced in Britain in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13127/00]

Austin Deasy

Question:

97 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any discussions with his British counterpart about racism being practised against Irish citizens in Britain by both the general public and the authorities; and, if not, if he will consider doing so. [11219/00]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 97 together.

The Commission for Racial Equality in Britain in 1997 published a report on Discrimination and the Irish Community in Britain which concluded that there was a "widespread and almost unquestioned acceptance of anti-Irish racism in British society".

The report drew attention to discrimination in a number of areas and contained recommendations to Government agencies, statutory bodies, voluntary agencies and private companies about addressing this situation.

The Irish Government has welcomed the report's highlighting of the extent of the particular difficulties, based on prejudice or discrimination, which Irish people frequently encounter in Britain. We have also expressed support for the recommendations of remedial action addressed to British Government agencies and other organisations whose activities impinge on the welfare and interests of the Irish community. The British Home Secretary has also welcomed the commission's initiative in raising awareness of the issues covered by the report and he has undertaken to ensure that the concerns raised will be given proper attention.

One of the key recommendations of the report – that the separate ethnicity of Irish people be recognised by the inclusion of an "Irish" ethnic category in the census of population in Britain – will be implemented for the first time in the 2001 census in England and Wales.

Where it receives evidence of serious anti-Irish prejudice or discrimination, our Embassy in London brings complaints to the attention of the public bodies involved. Complainants are informed of the legal redress options available to them under the British Race Relations Act.

I am satisfied that anti-Irish racism is as repugnant to the British Government as it is to us. In our dealings with them we take every opportunity to remind them of the importance of sensitivity by public authorities towards the special needs of the Irish community. Discussions are taking place at present between our Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs and the British Department of Social Security about co-operation in countering social exclusion and, in that context, addressing the particular social and health problems of Irish people in Britain.

My Department and the embassy in London will remain vigilant with regard to progress in implementing the Commission for Racial Equality report. The Deputy can also be assured that action will be taken whenever it is required to protect Irish citizens in Britain from prejudice or discrimination.