Slowing ecomony could heighten racial tensions: Experts

Racial tensions could increase in Ireland as the economy slows down and Irish people compete for jobs with foreign nationals, experts warned today.

New integration measures were unveiled for Intercultural and Anti-Racism Week which starts on April 7.

National Action Plan Against Racism (NPAR) official Lucy Gaffney said: “More people – whether of Irish or non-Irish birth – will become vulnerable as the economy shrinks and competition for jobs grows.

Ms Gaffney warned that the Government was missing crucial milestones and deadlines in its integration plan and will suffer the consequences as a result.

Ms Gaffney who chairs the NPAR’s Strategic Monitoring Group added: “We have excelled in certain areas, but dragged our feet on others, and this negligence is now catching up with us.

“A malaise of adolescent violence has been brewing across the country in recent times, and whether this is racially or anti-socially motivated, we can only hope to neutralise it through education and opportunity”.

The expert pinpointed education as the best way to prevent racism and promote integration.

“Education alone can play a crucial part in preventing intolerance, jealousy and hatred in a harsher economic and social climate

A practical tool-kit for use in classrooms and community organisations developed by the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism was also unveiled today.

The aim of the resource is to provide practical ideas and supports for teachers to explore diversity in Ireland and in the broader global context.

Intercultural and Anti-Racism Week was launched in the offices of the European Commission in Dublin as part of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.

The European Commission Irish director Martin Territt said: “We are firmly resolved to use all tools at our disposal to create a peaceful, multicultural Europe. The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, which was recently established in Vienna, will strengthen Europe in the fight against racism and intolerance.”