Ireland under fire over increased levels of racism and intolerance

IRELAND’s increasing levels of racism and a rising intolerance of foreigners came in for severe criticism yesterday from South African’s Education Minister, Kadar Asmal.

Addressing SIPTU’s conference in Galway yesterday, Mr Asmal said he was appalled at the levels of racism, discrimination and xenophobia which have taken root in Irish society.

Mr Asmal said Ireland was no longer the safe haven for those seeking protection that it had been when he lived here.