Decline in racist attacks recorded

There has been a steady decline in the number of racist incidents reported in Ireland, it emerged today.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell said gardaí recorded 42 incidents with a racial motive this year, compared to 69 last year and 102 in 2002.

Mr McDowell warned there was no room for complacency despite the decrease and no place in Irish Society for people who carried out such despicable acts.

He said the Government had already taken significant action to combat racism and racial discrimination including a three-year national anti-racism awareness programme entitled "Know Racism" and the development of a National Action Plan Against Racism which is currently being finalised.

In addition, a Garda Racial & Intercultural Office has been established to co-ordinate, monitor and advise on all aspects of policing in the area of racial, ethnic and cultural diversity.

The Garda Commissioner has also appointed Garda Ethnic Liaison Officers in District and Divisional Garda Stations throughout the country.

Mr McDowell also pointed to his plans to increase the number of people from ethnic minorities in the force during the current campaign of recruitment of 1,100 new officers in each of the next three years.

“In my opinion it is crucial that our law enforcement agency is representative of the new, diverse Ireland to ensure professional and effective policing in our communities into the future,” he said.

“I have asked the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána to look at the eligibility criteria, particularly with a view to attracting members from our ethnic communities to join the force.”

Mr McDowell also pointed out that Ireland has one of the most comprehensive anti-discrimination codes in Europe, which includes:

:: Discrimination and harassment in relation to and within employment on nine grounds including race, religion and membership of the Traveller community are outlawed by the Employment Equality Act, 1998.

:: Discrimination and harassment on the same grounds in the supply of goods or services, education or accommodation are prohibited by the Equal Status Act, 2000.

:: The use of words, behaviour or the publication or distribution of material which is threatening, abusive or insulting and are intended, or are likely, to stir up hatred are prohibited under the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act, 1989. The Act is subject to ongoing review in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

:: The Public Order Act, 1994 can be used to combat racist acts on public order grounds.