Willie Penrose
Ceist:62 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will give details of the proposed public awareness campaign to combat racism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2535/00]
Written Answers. - Anti-Racism Measures.
It is a basic concern of any Minister whose job it is to deal with the problem of public order to ensure that the evils of racism and the violence which has been associated with racism throughout the world are not allowed to take root. I recognise the importance of creating an environment which is positive towards and welcoming of refugees and have taken a number of steps to combat racism and intolerance in Irish society including the introduction of equality legislation and the establishment of the Equality Authority and the Office of the Director of Equality Investigations. This legislation will provide a catalyst for change and protect refugees from racism which can be caused by discrimination in a work and non-work environment.
To maintain the momentum of the good work done during the European Year Against Racism, I established, in July 1998, the National Consultative Committee on Racism and lnterculturalism. This committee is a partnership of NGOs, State agencies, social partners and representatives of Government Departments. Its overall role is to act in a policy advisory role to Government to contribute to the overall development of public policy in relation to racism and interculturalism and to promote a more participative and intercultural society which is inclusive of persons such as refugees, travellers and minority ethnic groups in Ireland. The activities of the committee are funded by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
In November 1998 I established an interdepartmental working group to examine the best means of integrating recognised refugees and others granted permission to remain in this country. The report of the working group, which is due to be published shortly, places considerable emphasis on the importance of a tolerant inclusive society and contains a number of recommendations on how this can be achieved. Discussions have been taking place between my Department and the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism on the development of initiatives to inform public opinion and develop a tolerant inclusive society. In this regard, I will be bringing proposals to Government and further details will be announced in due course, following consideration by Government.
I should also mention that the Garda authorities have taken the initiative in combating racism. In April of last year the Garda authorities hosted an international conference, co-funded by my Department, entitled "providing a police service in a developing multi-ethnic and multi-cultural Ireland". The Garda authorities are determined to learn from the experience of other countries in policing a multi-ethnic society. I am informed by the Garda authorities that a working group has been established to review all aspects of Garda training in this area and to develop best practices in the light of ongoing changes in the policing environment.
A follow-up conference is planned for this year. Entitled Intercultural Ireland – Identifying the Policing Challenges, it will be co-hosted by the Garda Síochána, my Department and the EU Commission.