Vol. 533 No. 3
91 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he plans to take at international level to mark the UN International Day Against Racism; the format of any such proposed action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8587/01]
The International Day Against Racism, which took place on 21 March 2001, gave Governments an opportunity to reflect on the problems posed by racism to their societies. The Taoiseach issued a statement to mark the day in which he restated the total opposition of the Government to racism and any manifestation of racism in our society. A number of events took place across the country to mark the day.
The Deputy will be aware of the recent establishment by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform of a high level steering group to implement the three-year national anti-racism-interculturalism public awareness programme. The awareness programme will receive Government funding of £4.5 million over a three-year period.
With the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, we are making national preparations for the World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, which will take place in South Africa from 31 August to 7 September 2001. We are supporting the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, in her preparations for the conference, which we hope will be a watershed in the fight against the scourges of racism and xenophobia.
