THE GOVERNMENT should make renewed efforts to protect people from racism amid fears the recession is leading to a rise in racist incidents, the European Network Against Racism Ireland has said.
During an event to celebrate International Day Against Racism, the network yesterday said there was anecdotal evidence to suggest racism was on the increase.
Catherine Lynch, author of the network’s report on Ireland, said Roma and Travellers continued to be the targets of racist abuse and an increase in slogans about “Irish taxi” cabs suggested there was no room for complacency.
“Findings from the report on Ireland indicate that racism has fallen off the political agenda. This is of significant concern, given the risks at the moment including the recession and the rise of extremism in EU member states,” she said. “If we continue to ignore the problem, racism will be a fallout of the current recession.”
The network is calling on the new Government to prioritise actions to address racism.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Gerry Breen, who attended the launch, said cities had an important role in combating racism because of the large number of migrants.
He defended his trenchant criticism of aggressive begging by some members of the Roma community in Dublin and rejected claims this was racist.
“You should always say it as it is. If there are a group of people involved in something then it isn’t racism. The fact they are from abroad is neither here nor there.
“I’m not into political correctness, because political correctness is just a fad . . . as long as you are honest in your statements and comments I don’t think people will have an issue with you,” he said.
“Just because you are different doesn’t give you authority to misbehave in our culture, society or country,” he said.