Know Racism campaign combats Irish intolerance
Joe McDonagh, who took on the job after finishing his term as GAA president, said the campaign had started from scratch almost two years ago.
“Undoubtedly, underlying [racist] perceptions and attitudes were there, not all of which was our own fault. We are located on the periphery of Europe. But the campaign has raised awareness of racism and many other EU countries are now aware of it and how successful it has been,” he said.
Mr McDonagh was attending the launch of the report on the Know Racism campaign. Justice Minister Michael McDowell said he was satisfied with the progress made against racism.
The Irish Refugee Council acknowledged the progressive work of the campaign but said it had been undermined by Government actions.
“Putting money into an anti-racism campaign is an expensive way of trying to deal with a problem that is in part created by bad policies. That includes polices that keep refugees out of work and out of education, creating the impression they are spongers,” said chief executive Peter O’Mahony.
As part of the Know Racism campaign, more than €1 million worth of grants were distributed to community groups, unions and government organisations. Around 100,000 Know Racism badges were distributed, featuring a logo designed by John Rocha and 1.3 million anti-racism leaflets were posted to houses.
A series of anti-racism ads were produced, including one featuring the Dublin footballer Jason Sherlock and another with the Boys in Green - a group of multi-ethnic soccer Irish soccer supporters.
“The Jason Sherlock ad had one of the highest ever recall rates among people and it got a great reaction. We are planning another series of adverts in relation to the Special Olympics,” Mr McDonagh said.
Know Racism are also working with all the major sporting organisations to implement an anti-racism sport charter for players and spectators.
Mr McDonagh said the campaign still needed to tackle the level of racism against migrant workers. More than 40,000 work permits were issued last year to workers primarily from Latvia, Lithuania, the Philippines, Poland and Romania.
“The alarming thing about migrant workers is that these people are here at our invitation. We’re still having difficulties filling our labour shortages but I think it’s something that the Tánaiste Mary Harney has said she will address,” Mr McDonagh said.
