Sir, - I simply had to write to you following the recent transmission of the RTE Prime Time programme on racism in Ireland.
I was very shocked and ashamed by the ignorant attitudes and behaviour that asylum-seekers were experiencing in Ireland. It is even more distasteful when I think back to stories I have heard and programmes I have seen about Irish people and the racism they experienced abroad, particularly in Britain and America. This point was also brought out in the programme.
When you consider our history and present day Ireland, we should be even more aware and consequently, more sensitive, than most other European countries about the implications of racism. However, we seem to be seriously behind our European partners as regards legislation and initiatives to combat racism.
We are today still trying to address the injustices certain sections of the community experienced in Northern Ireland. Look at how hard it is to achieve peace with a majority backing when communities have been so divided by ignorance, hate and fear and that relates to religion, which is much less obvious than colour.
I welcome the report (The Irish Times, January 25th) that the cabinet backs a £1 million fund against racism. Prior to spending this money, the committee set up to look at this problem should watch this programme and take note of where the money should be targeted. For example, Ann Ryan, the principal of the school in Tallaght, featured in the programme, has plenty of ideas and is enforcing some of them in her school, but she lacks resources. The benefit of these initiatives is that her pupils are learning, in a structured way, tolerance and acceptance of minority groups at an early age.
Nightclub owners also have a responsibility to ensure that their doormen do not refuse people entry to their clubs purely on colour. They came out very badly in the report; hopefully, they will sit up and take note of the poor impression they are giving. If not, withdrawing their licences, on the grounds of inequality, might have the desired effect.
Parents need to educate their children on the different cultures now living in Ireland and how all men and women are equal in the eyes of God and natural law.
It is up to all of us to make these visitors and potential new citizens welcome. Let us treat them, as we would like to be treated if we had to flee our country for political or economic reasons, as our ancestors, who left Ireland, should have been treated.
I myself am making a conscious effort to be friendly and welcoming by smiling and saluting these visitors in my community. - Yours, etc.,
Orla Gildea, Leixlip, Co Kildare.