Written Answers. - Anti-Racism Measures.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:
124
Mr. Broughan
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
if his attention has been drawn to the alarming conclusions of the survey, Racism in Ireland, regarding the views of the black and ethnic minorities, published by Amnesty Ireland; the steps he will take to deal with the level of racism identified in the report; the plans he has to strengthen the Prohibition of Incitement to Racial Hatred Act, 1998; the steps he will take to deal with the lack of confidence in the Garda Síochána among minority groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[22002/01]
Proinsias De Rossa
Ceist:
131
Proinsias De Rossa
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
the steps which have been taken to implement the major campaign to promote an inter-cultural society; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[22003/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 131 together.
I am aware of the key findings of the survey on the views of the black and ethnic minorities, published recently by the Irish section of Amnesty International. The contents of the survey and its recommendations are currently being examined by my Department. I have provided a detailed response to Amnesty Ireland's campaign on racism earlier this year in which I outlined the wide range of measures undertaken by the Government to deal with racism. Some of these measures will be reviewed with a view to adapting our responses to the complex and changing issue of racism.
Additional measures are being introduced. One of these is the three year Government funded public awareness programme to address racism and to promote an inclusive intercultural society. The official launch of the national anti-racism awareness programme has been arranged for 24 October. A high level steering group is implementing the programme in partnership with my Department. One of the first tasks of the steering group was to commission a research team to gather information that already existed on the attitudes and opinions of people in this country towards racism and minority ethnic communities. The research incorporated the conclusions of the Amnesty Ireland survey of ethnic minorities. The results of the research were completed last month and its findings are currently being examined by the steering group.
The steering group also commissioned spot research on people's opinions using focus groups. That research indicated that many people had scant knowledge of ethnic minority groups in Ireland and that they were forming their views from gossip and media stories. The findings concluded that this lack of knowledge potentially created the greatest threat to increased levels of racist attitudes and the research results confirmed that many of those people interviewed acknowledged this fact.
One of the objectives of the public awareness programme will be to increase people's knowledge of ethnic minority groups and their understanding of racism. The programme will consist of actions and initiatives in the area of media and communications, education, community and local development, Government Departments and the statutory sector, political parties and other elements, such as the workplace, policing, sport and the role of religious organisations. The programme will also provide guidelines on what each individual can do to help promote a better understanding of cultural, ethnic and religious diversity in Ireland. To this end, the steering group is preparing an information booklet for circulation to each household soon after the launch.
The programme will adopt a partnership approach. The steering group is examining a number of proposals for larger partnership ventures at national level. Its first major partnership commitment will be its participation in the anti-racist workplace week which will run from 5 to 9 November 2001. The steering group has allocated £150,000 towards an advertising campaign to raise the profile of the workplace week. The steering group also launched two grant schemes as part of the programme's actions to assist community groups, including minority ethnic groups, and non-government organisations with anti-racism initiatives. Funds under the schemes will be distributed to successful applicants later this month.
Some time ago I announced a review of the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act, 1989 in my Department. The review is being carried out in co-operation with the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism. It is too early to say when the review will be concluded and what, if any, legislation will arise from it.
Garda management is also studying the Amnesty Ireland survey report. Issues highlighted in the report are being addressed in current Garda training. A working definition of what constitutes a racial incident has been agreed and data capture of racially motivated crimes and offences is being developed. Gardaí are engaged in a continuing consultation process with members of ethnic minority groups and are in regular contact with community leaders. At present, there is close contact with leaders of the Muslim community in order to address their particular vulnerability at this time. Community groups are encouraged to report incidents to local gardaí and are encouraged to seek the assistance of the Garda racial and intercultural office.
Question No. 125 answered with Question No. 110.
