Sir, – In the last decade there has been a rapid change in the structure of Irish society. Modern Ireland is a diverse State with a significant presence of migrants.
According to the last census, there are over 544,000 people living in the State who come from different countries. This makes up 12 per cent of the total population. The biggest national minority is Polish, with over 122,000 Poles living now in Ireland. All together we have people from over 199 countries who chose Ireland to be their home.
As President Michael D Higgins remarked at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland for its Annual Neighbourhood Week: “Ireland has, in recent years, become an increasingly multicultural society with people from many different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds choosing to come and make their home here. This has furnished this country with a diverse mix of traditions, customs and philosophies. Our new Irish citizens have an important part to play in shaping and crafting our shared future; a future in which the many different cultures within our communities can come together and work together to offer their diverse and wide range of skills, talents and unique gifts to society as a whole and for the shared benefit of all”.
This multiculturalism is a challenge, but it also provides significant opportunities.
Together we can exchange different experiences, can bring differing points of view, and work on solutions to problems from multiple angles and perspectives. Diversity is a value that benefits the whole Irish nation.
Ahead of next year’s general election, it is worth reflecting on the lack of political representation of migrants in Irish politics.
For in the same way as democracy without women is a half democracy, a democracy without migrants is not a full democracy.
Political participation and civic engagement are an essential part of integration.
Political parties need to make further efforts to engage with migrant communities.
One of the solutions for migrant participation in the political system is the appointment of candidates representing migrants to Seanad Éireann.
Such a voice in the Seanad would make a distinctive contribution to the work of the Oireachtas.
For the Seanad, as both a chamber of advice and reflection, and where party politics holds sway less strongly, lends itself to speaking for all of society in an apolitical way.
The appointment of an independent senator, who would not merely speak for migrants, ethnic groups and minorities, but also be part of that community, would be a powerful message of inclusivity in Irish society.
In 2016 we have a chance to have a Seanad that represents the complexity and diversity of modern Irish society. Let’s not waste this opportunity! – Yours, etc,
PIOTR GAWLIK,
Chairman,
Dialogue & Diversity,
Smithfield,
Dublin 7.