THE GOVERNMENT advisory body on racism is being disbanded at the time when racist incidents are on the increase and attitudes are hardening as a result of the recession, its director said yesterday.
Philip Watt of the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI) said that reported incidents of racism had increased from 66 in 2004 to almost 200 so far this year.
"There has been quite a significant increase in the numbers reported to the gardaí," said Mr Watt.
"A lot of our work takes place below the radar. We respond to incidents before they escalate into bigger problems. We [also work] at policy level with agencies."
Mr Watt was speaking at the final press conference hosted by the NCCRI before it closes its doors on December 31st after over 10 years in existence.
The body saw its funding budget of €500,000 cut completely by the Department of Justice as a result of Budget-day cutbacks. While it had raised a similar amount from other sources, it is unable to continue in existence without the core funding. Its 12 staff are being made redundant.
The NCCRI was set up in 1998 by then minister for justice John O'Donoghue.
In the past decade, it has reported on and monitored incidents of racism, conducted extensive research, promoted interculturalism and Traveller awareness, and conducted anti-racism workshops.
NCCRI chairwoman Anastasia Crickley yesterday said she was dismayed by the weakening of supports to address racism. She instanced the large cuts in the budgets of the Equality Authority and the Irish Human Rights Commission in addition to the cuts that effectively shut down the NCCRI. Like Mr Watt, Ms Crickley said there was evidence that the global downturn could lead to the scapegoating of migrants and minorities.
"Ireland's record in Europe as a leader in developing ways to promote inclusion and equality needs at this difficult time to be reinforced not dismantled. Rights have to be named," she said.
The functions of the NCCRI are being transferred to the office of Minister for Integration Conor Lenihan. However, Mr Watt said there was "no way that you could transfer over 10 years of expertise without transferring any staff."
Mr Lenihan said the creation of his own office meant that the functions of the NCCRI would be mainstreamed.