Minister hails plan to tackle racism

Ireland’s first national action plan to tackle racism will aid the country’s transition into a modern, multi-ethnic society, the Government said today.

The National Action Plan Against Racism (NPAR) is the result of commitments made to the UN and national social partnership agreements.

The Minister for Justice and Equality, Michael McDowell, said the plan provides strategic direction to combat racism and to promote the development of a more inclusive, intercultural society in Ireland.

The Taoiseach agreed that the initiative was “a clear demonstration of the Government’s commitment to adapt policy to the changing circumstances of a more diverse Ireland”.

Its objectives are to provide protection, inclusion and recognition of ethnic groups so that they can fully participate in society.

A Strategic Monitoring Group with an annual €1m budget will oversee the implementation of the plan.

Mr McDowell added: “The plan is a further important step in fostering a community that is free from discrimination and in which the emerging diversity of Irish society is fully acknowledged and accommodated in public policy making.”