The number of racist incidents in the State has plummeted this year according to Garda figures published today by the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell.
The figures show there have been 42 racist incidents so far this year compared to 69 in 2003 and 102 in 2002.
Welcoming the decrease, Mr McDowell said there was no room for complacency in this regard and that there was no place in Irish society for people who carried out such "despicable acts".
He said that Ireland had one of the most comprehensive anti-discrimination codes in Europe and that he planned to increase the number of gardaí by 2000 during the lifetime of his Government.
"It is crucial that our law enforcement agency is representative of the new, diverse Ireland to ensure professional and effective policing in our communities into the future," he said.
"I have asked the Commissioner of An Garda Siochana to look at the eligibility criteria, particularly with a view to attracting members from our ethnic communities to join the force."
The figures are in contrast to a report published earlier this month by National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI).
It said that some 70 racist incidents had been reported to it between May and October of this year compared to 46 incidents in the corresponding period last year.
Their six-monthly reports began in May 2001, when 41 incidents were reported. Speaking after the release of the NCCRI report, Mr McDowell rejected the idea that it was open season for racism.