Austin Deasy
Question:116 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views regarding the level of racism experienced by the Irish community in Britain and in particular the treatment of Irish citizens at points of entry. [1896/01]
Written Answers. - Racism Incidence.
In June 1997 the Commission for Racial Equality in Britain published a report on "Discrimination and the Irish Community in Britain" which concluded that there was "a widespread, and almost completely 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 in Britain about addressing this situation.
Through the Irish Embassy in London we are encouraging action by British Government bodies and voluntary Irish organisations to follow through on the recommendations in the report. The British authorities are as anxious as we are to eliminate anti-Irish prejudice or racism.
Complaints of racist treatment and-or harassment by public authorities such as police, prison and immigration officers are occasionally received from Irish people residing in or visiting Britain. Precise statistics are not kept but the incidence of such complaints has diminished in recent years. Where it receives evidence of serious anti-Irish prejudice or discrimination, the Irish Embassy 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.
Complaints arising from the experiences of Irish passengers at British ports and airports mostly relate to the operation within Britain of the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The Government has frequently expressed to the British authorities our concerns regarding the operation of provisions of the PTA, such as the powers relating to port and border controls, the application of which has a disproportionate impact on persons travelling between the two islands. Complaints made to us about specific instances of the use of these powers are also raised with the British authorities through the embassy in London.
Question No. 117 answered with Question No. 95.
Question No. 118 answered with Question No. 108.