Racism in society - Recognise it, report it

A quarterly study issued by iReport.ie) found that black Africans are the main targets for racism in this country, with Dublin and Limerick recording the highest number of alleged incidents.

The report covering the months July to September concluded that only about 20% of the incidents are reported to the gardaí, and less than a third to any state authority.

Almost half of the 97 incidents covered in the report were logged in Dublin, 12 in Limerick, and four each in Galway, Waterford, and Cork. More than half of the incidents involved a single perpetrator.

Most of those who reported incidents were witnesses of what happened, rather than victims or their family members. The victims and their families were obviously intimidated, so reporting the racism was an exemplary manner for witnesses to disassociate themselves from such vile behaviour. The best way for everyone to help stamp out racism is to recognise and report it.

The authorities can contribute by boosting their own profile with the introduction of suitable recruits from the various minority communities so gardaí and other agencies reflect the true diversity of modern Ireland.