Crime Prevention

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2015

Tuesday, 6 October 2015

Questions (439)

Micheál Martin

Question:

439. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the actions she and her Department are taking to prevent racism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34580/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality

The Government is firmly committed to combating and challenging any and all manifestations of racism.

Ireland was one of the first states in the world to develop a National Action Plan Against Racism. When the National Action Plan Against Racism was launched in 2005, it was conceived as a four-year programme to run until the end of 2008. It was designed to provide strategic direction towards developing a more intercultural and inclusive society in Ireland and was integration driven. Under the Plan, support was provided towards the development of a number of national and local strategies promoting greater integration in our workplaces, in An Garda Síochána, the health service, in our education system, in the arts and sports sectors and within our local authorities.

The Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration, an office of my Department, is the focal point for the Government's commitment on anti-racism as a key aspect of integration, diversity management and broader national social policy. The Office continues to work with all the relevant sectors to further progress the integration and diversity management agenda. Many of the initiatives which were instigated through the National Action Plan against Racism 2005-2008 continue to be developed and progressed through the support and work of the Office.

A review of our approach to the integration of migrants was launched last year. This review will provide the basis for a new and updated migrant integration strategy. Work on the Integration Strategy is ongoing and a draft was recently sent to key stakeholders for their observations with a view to the Strategy being published as soon as possible. I expect that the Integration Strategy, when developed, will include a strong anti-racism component.