Vol. 549 No. 2
26 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress which has been made regarding the review of the Prohibition on Incitement to Racial, Religious or National Hatred Act, 1989; when he expects the review to be completed; the further action he proposes to combat racism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6075/02]
As the Deputy is aware, I initiated a review of the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act, 1989, which prohibits both actions intended to stir up hatred and actions likely to stir up hatred. This review is being carried out in co-operation with the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism. Submissions to the Department concerning the current operation of the Act and proposals for amendment of the legislation are being considered as part of the review.
While progress has been made on the review, two recent developments must be taken into account before the review is concluded. On 28 November 2001 the European Commission presented a proposal for a Council Framework Decision on combating racism and xenophobia. It is intended that the framework decision will replace an existing Joint Action concerning action to combat racism and xenophobia. Negotiations on the framework decision have commenced.
The Council of Europe has also established a new committee on criminalising acts of a racist or xenophobic nature committed through computer networks. Ireland is participating in this committee which will draw up a draft protocol to the convention on cybercrime on this issue. I consider it appropriate to await the outcome of these negotiations before finalising the review of our existing legislation. This Government has introduced comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation and other measures to combat racism and discrimination.
The Employment Equality Act, 1998, and the Equal Status Act, 2000, contain a broad definition of race that covers race, colour, nationality or ethnic or national origins. The national consultative committee on racism and interculturalism was established with funding from my Department. Its objective is to develop an integrated approach against racism and promote a more participative and intercultural society. NCCRI, in partnership with a range of non-government organisations, has organised a system of reporting racist incidents. The aim is to provide a profile of the number, type and location of incidents that are occurring and to identify emerging trends.
The Garda Síochána has been similarly proactive in devising strategies to deal with policing issues in a multicultural society. One of these measures is the establishment of the Garda racial and intercultural office. Its function will be to liaise with racial and ethnic groups and so move diversity issues into the mainstream of contemporary policing practice.
The national anti-racism awareness programme was launched in October 2001. The programme's framework was drawn up by the NCCRI following a consultation process with key statutory and non-statutory organisations. The aim of the programme is to contribute to creating the environment and the conditions for building an inclusive and intercultural society in Ireland where racism is effectively addressed and cultural diversity is valued. A budget of €5.7 million has been allocated to the programme over a three year period.
