Vol. 533 No. 2
132 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans he has to participate in the UN International Day Against Racism; if he will mark the occasion in a practical or symbolic way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8541/01]
To mark the occasion of the UN International Day Against Racism on 21 March, I issued a statement affirming the Government's determination to combat any tendency towards racism and racist acts and calling for support in creating a society which is devoid of prejudice and discrimination.
I also welcomed the large number of activities which had been organised to focus attention on the international day. In particular, the activity pack for schools entitled, Raising Awareness – Diversity and Racism, which was produced by the national consultative committee on racism and interculturalism in partnership with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. The activity pack is designed to provide ideas for those working with young people in schools or more informal education settings who are interested in exploring cultural diversity and raising awareness about racism. The pack is consistent with our preparations for the forthcoming public awareness programme against racism.
I also welcomed the initiative of the Garda racial and intercultural office in producing the Garda anti-racism training video entitled, Challenge It, the anti-racism week in third level colleges organised by the Union of Students in Ireland and a football tournament between invited youth groups organised by Pavee Point Traveller centre. Other highlights marking the occasion are special local radio programmes, concerts, open days and seminars. Unfortunately, some events had to be postponed due to the foot and mouth disease crisis.
To coincide with the occasion, the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees launched a UNHCR video for primary schools. The video is available free of charge from the UNHCR office in Dublin. RTE also announced the expansion of its One World service. One World is a multicultural radio service broadcasting on the medium wave, which reflects the ethnic diversity of refugees, asylum seekers and the immigrant communities in Ireland. It employs a number of reporters from those communities and provides news in different languages.
