I am aware of the increase in the number of claims of racial discrimination made to the equality tribunal during the past year. I assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to tackling racial discrimination in all its forms. While the increase is a cause of concern, it should be noted that it may reflect an increased understanding among the general public of equality rights and equality legislation. We should recognise that the number of claims on the race ground is growing from a low base. This will exaggerate the significance of the actual percentage increase.
As the Deputy may be aware, the national anti-racism awareness programme was launched in 2001 for a three-year term. The programme will have completed its term at the end of the year. As it will no longer be operating in 2004, it will not require substantial funding. Some of the expenditure allocated under the last grant scheme will come to fruition in early 2004. I have allocated €230,000 towards the programme in 2004 to pay for outstanding fees or costs relating to its activities this year. I intend that any funds left unspent from the €230,000 will be added to the amount of €335,000 which I have allocated towards the national action plan against racism, which I hope to finalise before the end of the year.
Funding for anti-racism initiatives comes from many Departments and combating discrimination on the ground of race is a component of the general equality framework. I should point out that the budget for the Equality Tribunal has been increased for 2004 by 3%. The reduction of 4% in the allocation for the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism is in line with the general reduction in the published Estimates. The fact that the NCCRI's funding increased substantially since it was established in 1998 can be clearly seen from the attached table. As anti-discrimination activities cover a range of activities funded across a number of subheads, I appreciate that it can be difficult to appreciate the entire funding picture.
As the Deputy may also be aware, I hope to publish before Christmas legislation to give effect to EU Directive 2000/43/EC. As I have indicated previously, implementation will necessitate some, mostly minor, amendments to the Employment Equality Act 1998 and the Equal Status Act 2000 because Ireland's legislation is already substantially in compliance with the directive. The Government is finalising Ireland's first report under the UN Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination, which sets out the range of legislative, judicial, administrative or other measures Ireland has taken to tackle racism.
