An emergency motion calling for support to help educate against racism and xenophobia was passed unanimously by more than 500 ASTI delegates in Tralee yesterday.
Mr John Mulcahy, immediate past president and acting education officer of the ASTI, proposed the motion and urged delegates to ensure that racism and xenophobia did not develop here. "Racism is a serious problem across Europe," he said.
"It couldn't happen here because the Irish people were enlightened, tolerant and civilised, or so we thought until the success of the Celtic Tiger acted as a magnet and drew in immigrants from all over the world."
Racism could be seen in "religious discrimination, attacks, physical assaults on minorities, bullying and intimidation", he said. "Unfortunately schools are not exempt."
Mr Paddy Mulcahy, from Cork South, a member of the union's standing committee, seconded the motion and urged delegates to pass it as "the first step that this country really deserves the appellation Ireland of the Welcomes".
Recent developments here, such as the emergence of the lobby group, Immigration Control Platform, would suggest, he said, that "tolerance and mutual respect may be very aspirational".
Delegates instructed the union to call on the Government to provide appropriate facilities and education services for refugees in Ireland. The motion also called for the union to affirm its commitment to promote education against racism and xenophobia and to support education policies which promoted tolerance and mutual respect among people of different ethnic, racial, cultural or religious backgrounds.