Vol. 518 No. 2
61 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the recent report, African Refugee Needs Analysis, which found that almost nine out of ten African asylum seekers and refugees had experienced racism here; the proposals, if any, he has to combat the increasing evidence of racist attitudes among a minority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11186/00]
The issues raised in the report, referred to by the Deputy, were addressed in the report of the interdepartmental working group on integration, which emphasised the importance of promoting a tolerant inclusive society. The working group's report has been accepted by Government as the framework for integration policy in Ireland. The Government has agreed on the need for initiatives to combat racist attacks through informing public opinion and promoting a more tolerant inclusive society. It has approved proposals for an evaluation of the strategy and resources needed to plan, implement and review the development of such initiatives, within a very short timeframe. The working group recommended that the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism should carry out the evaluation. The evaluation is due to be completed within the next two months and I hope to be able to bring proposals for comprehensive public awareness initiatives to Government before the summer.
