Finian McGrath
Question:814. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied that our laws are being implemented in a fair manner in respect of all ethnic minorities. [46762/13]
View answerTuesday, 5 November 2013
Questions (814)
Written answers
There are robust mechanisms already in place in legislation to deal with discrimination, hate speech and racist crime and these apply equally to all persons regardless of citizenship or ethnic origin. Human rights training is provided to public officials including members of An Garda Síochána, members of the Defence Forces and custodial personnel working in the Irish Prison Service. The Human Rights Commission makes human rights training available on request to the civil and public service. Similar facilities in respect of equality and combating discrimination are available from the Equality Authority. In line with the Programme for Government commitment to "require all public bodies to take due note of equality and human rights in carrying out their functions", I am providing in the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Bill for creation of a positive duty on public bodies to do so and for the Commission to provide support and advice to public bodies in meeting that obligation.
Ireland's population has become increasingly diverse over the past two decades. I think it is fair to say that, in general, Irish people have been warm and welcoming to the large number of EU and non-EU residents who have now made Ireland their home. Intercommunal conflicts of the kind seen elsewhere have so far been absent from our society. However, we must not become complacent and we must be alert to the potential danger of the emergence of racial discord. I encourage anyone who has experienced racist abuse or has ever felt discriminated against because of their ethnic or national origin to come forward to the Equality Authority or An Garda Síochána and seek their assistance and protection.