Multiculturalism - Bridging the divide

For generations this state has enjoyed a relatively compatible population in cultural terms.

Problems of race and culture that Irish people experienced were normally when they went abroad.

The Irish school of ecumenics at Trinity College Dublin commissioned Dr Katy Radford, a social anthropologist based in Belfast, to prepare Health, Faith and Equality, a report on the religious implications of multicultural change.

Medical carers and chaplains are often befuddled when it comes to dealing with patients whose strict beliefs do not fit in with the general ethos of the hospital or healthcare setting in which they find themselves.

The report highlights the need for a national protocol and guidelines for dealing with people of differing religions.

The problem came to national attention with the death of baby Callis Osaghae in Waterford following a botched circumcision carried out by an untrained Nigerian civilian in 1983. The service, which had a strong religious significance for the boy’s parents, was not available within the public healthcare system here.

The report highlights a broad range of problems, including Muslim women who are distressed about having to wear revealing hospital gowns, or undergoing medical examinations by male doctors.

The face of Irish life has changed with broad implications for every segment of society. We should appreciate the importance of differing religious beliefs.