It would be wrong to minimise the seriousness of a sudden rise in the level of racist incidents during the past six months. Any increase in hate crime is unacceptable. But the figures published yesterday by the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI) contain implications for our politicians that cannot be ignored. There would appear to be a linkage between a rise in racist incidents and political controversy involving immigration and citizenship.
On two occasions since six-monthly figures began to be collected in 2001 there have been sharp increases in racist abuse and assaults. The first time, in 2002, coincided with the general election and the Nice referendum. The latest was influenced by debate on enlargement of the EU and a referendum on Irish citizenship last June. Outside of these two periods, racist incidents consistently numbered between 40 and 50. When political controversy became a factor, the figures rose to 67 and 70.
Social change and economic uncertainty are sure-fire ingredients in the mix that goes to generate hate crimes against ethnic minorities. Political controversy tends to feed into that situation. At the same time, lengthening waiting lists for council housing and the introduction of greater restrictions on rent supplements add to the level of tension. Because of that, politicians will have to tread much more carefully in future if they are to avoid contributing to the incidence of hate crime.
A new national action plan on racism is to be published by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr McDowell, within the next three weeks. It is expected to co-ordinate the efforts of a number of Government Departments in responding to the needs of immigrants in terms of education, social welfare and the law. Regulations that might inhibit immigrants from joining the Garda Síochána are to be changed. And greater public acceptance of ethnic minorities is to be promoted.
All of this will require extra funding. The seriousness of the Government's intent will become clear when the Estimates for 2005 are published next Thursday. Our population of migrant workers and ethnic minorities is growing rapidly. And economic indicators suggest that trend will continue. Because of that, the Government must put structures in place that will raise the level of public awareness and help to integrate such people. Sporting organisations have already contributed significantly, as have school programmes. A national action plan should replace the present piecemeal policies with an overall strategy. But it will require political drive and commitment to make it work.