Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2010
500 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will confirm whether the Scottish Government has replied to our consulate’s letter regarding an incident (details supplied); if he will report to the House of the Oireachtas the import of that communication; if the Scottish Government has outlined a plan of action to combat this growing anti-Irish racism in Scotland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12378/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have stated previously, since its opening in 1998, the Consulate General of Ireland in Edinburgh has maintained a wide-ranging dialogue with the Scottish Government on issues. The Consul General remains in close contact with senior officials in the Scottish Government in relation to incidents of sectarianism of the kind referred to in the question.
I understand that the Scottish Government's continued commitment to tackling sectarianism is carried out through several policy approaches, including education and the promotion of constructive dialogue within Scotland. Promoting Citizenship through Football was launched in December 2008 and is new a partnership between Scottish football and the Scottish Government which seeks to address this issue.
The partnership is chaired by Mr. Gordon Smith, Chief Executive of the Scottish Football Association. The Scottish Premier League, the Scottish Football League, the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and Sport Scotland are represented in this group. In addition, the Scottish Government has seconded an official to the Scottish Football Association to act as a single contact point for this group. The Consulate General has met with this partnership, and continues to monitor closely developments in this regard.
The Scottish Government provides funding to a wide range of anti-sectarian and anti-racism initiatives, including Nil By Mouth, Sense Over Sectarianism, Show Racism the Red Card and others.
In January 2010, the Scottish Government announced that it is funding an anti-sectarianism pilot programme in Scottish prisons. This March, Scottish Minister for Community Safety Fergus Ewing MSP reiterated that the Scottish Government is committed to tackling sectarianism wherever and whenever it occurs.
The Consulate General will continue to maintain a dialogue with officials at the Scottish Government on issues relating to sectarianism.
