Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:89 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the launch of the Government's Anti-Racism Programme on 24 October, 2001. [26410/01]
Vol. 543 No. 5
89 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the launch of the Government's Anti-Racism Programme on 24 October, 2001. [26410/01]
The national anti-racism awareness programme developed from a proposal I made to Government which advocated a strategic approach where public awareness would be an important component, but not the only component, of a broader framework of policies and measures to create and promote an inclusive society. The aim of the programme is to contribute to creating the environment and the conditions for building an inclusive and intercultural society in Ireland where racism is effectively addressed and cultural diversity is valued. Such a comprehensive programme has never been tried before. It is an innovative approach towards tackling racism.
The programme was officially launched by the Taoiseach on 24 October, 2001. A core budget of £4.5 million, 5.7 million has been allocated by Government to the programme over a three-year period. The programme is being implemented by a high level steering group in partnership with the equal status division of my Department. The 21 member steering group is broad-based and includes representatives of ethnic minority communities, the four social partners, national bodies such as the equality authority and the national consultative committee on racism and interculturalism, relevant Government departments and the Garda Síochána. The steering group has an independent chairperson, Mr. Joe McDonagh, former president of the GAA.
The framework for the awareness programme was drawn up by the national consultative committee on racism and interculturalism, NCCRI, following a three-month consultation process with key statutory and non-statutory organisations. The programme will be based on partnership and will aim to have a long-term sustainable impact. It will stimulate and support initiatives on an ongoing basis in partnership with key organisations at national level as well as at local level. It will focus on the principal strands in our society, for example, public education, media and communications, statutory authorities, community and local development, the workplace, the Garda Síochána, political parties, sporting bodies and religious organisations. A number of activities will be arranged at national and local level around key anchor events each year such as the International day against racism on 21 March and the anti-racist workplace week in the first week in November.
The core messages of the programme are: Ireland is increasingly a multicultural society which is a strength; racism is a denial of human rights; minority ethnic groups are a positive and integral part of Irish society; racism is a specific form of discrimination; racism is against the law; inward migration is not the cause of racism; we all have a responsibility to tackle racism; Irish people have been victims of racism themselves; and in celebrating difference we should be open to the benefits of cultural diversity.