Vol. 531 No. 5
58 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the initiatives to date that have been taken under his anti-racisim awareness campaign; the funds which have to date been spent on the campaign; and, if no progress has been made, when progress can be expected. [6180/01]
A high level steering group has been established to implement the anti-racism awareness programme, in partnership with the equality division of my Department. The equality division will have overall responsibility for co-ordinating the programme. The programme will run over the next three years with a budget of £1.5 million per annum.
The chairperson of the group is Mr. Joe McDonagh, former president of the GAA. The group has 18 other members and includes representatives of ethnic minority communities, the four social partners, non-Governmental organisations, national bodies such as the Equality Authority and the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism and relevant Departments. The group will provide a progress report to the Government on an annual basis. The relevant staff resources have now been assigned and the programme is entering a three month preparatory phase prior to the national launch. The anti-racism programme will be based on an outline framework which was developed by the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism after a period of consultation with interested parties.
The overall aim of the programme is to contribute to creating the conditions for building a more inclusive and intercultural society in Ireland where racism is effectively addressed and cultural diversity is viewed as a strength rather than a weakness. Initiatives will be taken in the areas of community and local development, media and communications, the role of statutory authorities and public education and will aim to produce long-term sustainable outcomes.
The first meeting of the high level steering group was planned for the 28 February 2001. Owing to adverse weather conditions it had to be postponed. Arrangements are being made for an alternative date.
