Racism growing in Ireland, new report claims

The level of reported racist incidents in Ireland is growing, according to a report published today.

The National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism today published its three-year report and strategic plan.

It shows there were 70 incidents reported to the NCCRI between May and October this year, compared to 42 in the previous six months and 46 in the period before that. The next highest incidence in the past three years was in May to October, 2002, when there were 67 cases.

The body said it was too early to say whether the rise was an underlying trend or "a temporary 'blip' in statistics". While there was a rise in verbal abuse, there was actually a drop in physical assaults.

"The worrying increase in racist incidents particularly in recent months shows that we all must redouble our efforts to combat racism and promote a more inclusive society," said NCCRI director Mr Phillip Watt.

Racist incidents may be reported either by individuals affected or by bodies representing minority groups, such as Traveller or immigrant support groups. They include violence, discrimination at work and in the provision of goods and services, graffiti, verbal abuse, harassment and other forms of racism.

The Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell said the National Action Plan Against Racism, which he is launching before Christmas, would provide strategic direction to combat racism and provide a more inclusive, intercultural society in Ireland.

"We are no longer a homogeneous society, practically every Irish city and town contains within their communities persons of other nationalities and cultures," he said. "Whatever the motivation for moving to Ireland, it is vitally important that we treat people from different backgrounds with respect and fairness."

Labour's justice spokesman, Mr Joe Costello, said the rise in incidents was "very alarming" He said many immigrants to Ireland "are now facing the same level of hostility experienced by Irish

He accused Government ministers of contributing to an atmosphere of intolerance by spreading stories of immigration causing a maternity hospital crisis at the time of the recent Citizenship Referendum.

Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin Ms Mary Lou McDonald said: "We are witnessing a consistently high level of violence against some of the most vulnerable groups within Irish society.

Ms McDonald said: "Let us be clear - the racists must be faced down. Recent attacks are only the tip of the iceberg, as many incidents are not reported. Racist attacks are now happening at such an alarming rate that sections of society are becoming blasé to the plight of ethnic minority communities."

The NCCRI was established in 1998 and is an independent expert body, primarily funded by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. It has been involved in a range of anti-racism initiatives, including co-ordinating the Government's 'Know Racism' programme and working to highlight racism at an EU level.

It has also undertaken anti-racism awareness training with over 150 organisations in the past three years.

Of the incidents reported to the NNCRI between May and October this year, almost two thirds occurred in Dublin.