A new group representing ethnic minorities has said that future governments can avoid ethnic minority alienation with formal engagement with ethnic minorities now.
The New Communities Partnership(NCP)representing 41 ethnic minority led organisations believe that dialogue between government and ethnic groups would help to avoid difficulties experienced by ethnic minorities in other European countries particularly France and the UK.
NCP are raising the issue because they say there is no real representation of ethnic minority communities within almost all Government and Social Partner structures.
The group today called for direct talks with the next government and for public representatives to take account of the needs of ethnic minorities while on the election trail.
Issah Huseini National Coordinator of the NCP said: "Ethnic minority communities are eager and willing to participate and contribute fully to Irish society, but it is a two-way process which requires leadership by Government.
"Simple actions now such as formal structures through which we can engage with Government Departments and funding for ethnic led organizations will help Ireland to avoid the conflict and turmoil seen in other countries that failed to manage integration successfully," said Mr Huseini.
The NCP is requesting that all TDs and political parties in Ireland commit themselves in Government to;
- Review existing Government/Social Partnership structures Locally and Nationally and ensure they are representative of ethnic minority communities;
- Initiate formal opportunities for direct dialogue with ethnic minority community leaders;
- Ensure that the views, expertise and experience of ethnic minority communities is utilised.
NCP is made up of organisations established and run by immigrants and is close to the grassroots.It comprises of representatives from most ethnic minority communities in Ireland and has a national spread. The NCP is presently funded by the European Refugee Fund.