In the past decade, this State has been transformed into a multi-ethnic society by an influx of foreign workers, students and asylum seekers. The change has been dramatic and, at times, fraught with difficulties. The institutions operating at contact points between the State and newly-arrived immigrants coped as best they could and, gradually, services improved.
But much remains to be done to improve standards of treatment, to encourage tolerance and awareness of cultural diversity, to facilitate integration and to ensure the rights of such people are upheld. Such issues are particularly pertinent this week - European Week Against Racism.
Earlier this month, a number of high-profile court cases involving Garda treatment of non-nationals caused concern. They underlined the case for long-term planning to deal with crime within immigrant communities and they identified some of the difficulties experienced when individuals run foul of the law.
As Carol Coulter reported in this newspaper, clear deficiencies exist in the 1987 Treatment of Persons in Custody Regulations. There is no requirement for the Garda Síochána to secure the services of a competent interpreter before a suspect is questioned. Recordings of the interview, to ensure the accuracy of the interpretation, are frequently not made. And the rights of the suspect, along with his entitlements under Irish law, need not be comprehensively explained. Such deficiencies warrant immediate correction, particularly in relation to the provision of properly trained interpreters. The Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, should address the administrative difficulties with his customary robustness.
Efforts have been made by the Department of Justice to bridge the cultural gulf that exists between members of the Garda and newly-arrived minority groups. And training is provided for recruits at the Garda College in Templemore. But, until members of these communities are inducted into the Garda and become part of the law enforcement process, the ability of the police to respond effectively to crime and to build up a positive relationship with immigrant communities will be compromised. Such a recruitment policy would also help to generate a first-hand understanding within the force itself of the cultural complexity of the groups involved and of their particular requirements. The hard work of many foreigners is contributing to the creation of a wealthier and more complex Ireland. As these communities grow, as they will, a positive and trusting relationship must be established between them and the forces of law and order. Planning for that eventuality should start now.