Govt anti-racism chief refuses to take stand in Sikh case

The Chairperson of the Government's National Action Plan against Racism is refusing to take a stand on the dispute involving a member of the Sikh community and the Gardaí.

The Sikh man decided not to join the Garda Reserve after he was ordered to wear a garda cap instead of a turban while on duty.

The Minister for Integration, Conor Lenihan, has supported the stance of the Gardaí, even though an official advisory committee on racism is urging the Government to rethink its policy.

Asked about the matter today, Lucy Gaffney, the head of the Government's National Action Plan against Racism, refused to take a side in the dispute.

She said there was an onus on both sides when it comes to integrating people from different cultures.