The Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, introduced an antiracist programme yesterday which he said would be unlike anything previously undertaken in the State. The £4.5 million package was ambitious and comprehensive, the Minister said, and would serve as a blueprint for the development and implementation of a public awareness campaign.
"The overall aim of the programme is to contribute to creating the conditions for building a more inclusive and intercultural society in Ireland where racism is effectively addressed and cultural diversity is viewed as a strength," said Mr O'Donoghue.
The primary objectives of the campaign, he said, were to act as a catalyst to stimulate public awareness and understanding of cultural diversity in Ireland; to help create the conditions that make it more difficult for racism to exist; and to contribute to the range of policies that promote an inclusive approach to minority ethnic groups.
Mr O'Donoghue said the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI), which was set up by him to advise the Government, had completed its evaluation for such a campaign after an intensive consultation process.
The NCCRI proposals, he said, should form the framework of the three-year programme. The equality division of his Department would have overall responsibility for co-ordinating the programme and its budget.
A steering group would be set up to implement the awareness programme, he said. Members of this group would include people from different Government Departments, non-governmental organisation personnel and high-profile media and sporting personalities.
The Minister said there would be a need for a preparatory period before the programme was introduced in order to put resources and structures in place.
"This initiative demonstrates the Government's commitment to combating racism through informing public opinion and promoting a more tolerant society."
A spokesman for the Minister said the committee would be established within a few weeks and the campaign should begin before Christmas.