Vol. 493 No. 2
26 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the consultations, if any, he has had with other Departments with a view to countering racist attitudes particularly in the context of those seeking asylum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15307/98]
30 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the consultations, if any, he has had with other Departments with a view to countering racist attitudes particularly in the context of those seeking asylum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15306/98]
80 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the consultations, if any, he has had with other Departments with a view to countering racist attitudes particularly in the context of those seeking asylum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15313/98]
84 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the consultations, if any, he has had with other Departments with a view to countering racist attitudes particularly in the context of those seeking asylum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15311/98]
110 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the consultations, if any, he has had with other Departments with a view to countering racist attitudes particularly in the context of those seeking asylum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15305/98]
112 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the consultations, if any, he has had with other Departments with a view to countering racist attitudes particularly in the context of those seeking asylum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15303/98]
115 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the consultations, if any, he has had with other Departrments with a view to countering racist attitudes particularly in the context of those seeking asylum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15304/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26, 30, 80, 84, 110, 112 and 115 together.
As I stated in the course of the Dáil motion on racism on 17 December last, the Government categorically rejects racism in all its forms. On that occasion I emphasised that those who genuinely need protection in the State and are entitled to that protection would receive it.
In the light of the Government decision to accept the recommendation of the Interdepartmental Committee on Immigration, Asylum and Related Issues that "all appropriate assistance should be given by the relevant public bodies to facilitate the integration into Irish society of persons recognised as refugees or given leave to remain in the State on humanitarian grounds", my Department is in consultation with others with a view to ensuring the provision of such assistance. The Refugee Agency which is under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs provides such a service for programme refugees. A recent review of the agency suggested a wider role for the agency to include all refugees. This is being examined at present.
