Racism in Ireland - Hatred we can’t ignore

A report to be published today suggests levels of racism in Cork that are unacceptable.

The Nasc report found that almost half of those surveyed — 45% — felt they had been discriminated against on grounds of race but that more than 80% of people who experienced racism in the region did not report the crime to the gardaí.

We have often congratulated ourselves on the relatively easy assimilation of immigrants into this society but this report suggests that those plaudits may unfortunately be premature.

Racism is a polite way of describing hatred based on ignorance and fear and it cannot be tolerated in any circumstances.

As ever, education is the answer.