Report reveals racism as 'everyday fact of life' for migrants in Dublin

A report released today has documented high levels of racist violence and harrassment endured by migrants living in Dublin.

A report released today has documented high levels of racist violence and harassment endured by migrants living in Dublin.

Those questioned for the 'Taking Racism Seriously' study included Luas inspectors, health care workers and bus drivers.

It found that migrants living and working in the city are subjected to high levels of racist abuse and often on a daily basis.

Speaking at the launch of the report, Denise Charlton, chief executive of the ICI, said society needs to be braver in challenging racism.

"This report illustrates very starkly the price being paid for our lack of consistent, effective and strong action against racism," she said.

"We’re all guilty of turning a blind eye to racist incidents: think of how many times we have seen kids - or, indeed, adults – on a bus or the Luas taunting a driver or a ticket-inspector, and said nothing.

"Understandably, people are afraid to speak out for fear the abuse will be targeted at them instead.

"But it is inconceivable that Ireland should be a place where we tolerate a young child racially insulting a neighbour without taking meaningful action to address the glaring issues this raises.

"We cannot continue to tolerate circumstances where people working on public transport are subjected to racist abuse on a daily basis and regularly subject to racially motivated assaults.

"Property damage, racist insults and racially motivated harassment and anti-social behaviour cannot ever be considered ‘normal’ in our local communities."

A revenue protection officer on the Luas said that she typically experiences racist verbal abuse four or five times each day.