Vol. 491 No. 2
137 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures, if any, he will take to establish an anti-racism organisation to promote understanding of other cultures and to highlight the benefits of living in a multicultural society. [11534/98]
As I announced on 27 April last I am establishing an advisory committee on racism and interculturalism. The job of the committee will be to advise Government on matters relating to racism and responses to it. It will reinforce and develop initiatives already commenced by the National Co-ordinating Committee for European Year Against Racism, 1997, to address racism and promote interculturalism. I am providing an allocation of £20,000 to the new committee.
The committee will operate as a partnership between non-governmental organisations, State agencies, social partners and Government Departments and will be chaired by Dr. Anastasia Crickley of the Platform Against Racism. Details of the committee's membership, programme and working arrangements are being finalised at present.
