Irish people can no longer ignore the fact that racism exists here, particularly in relation to the travelling community, according to the Minister for Equality and Law Reform, Mr Taylor.
He was speaking at the opening of the European Year Against Racism by the President, Mrs Robinson, at Dublin Castle yesterday.
The initiative has two aims highlighting the nature and extent of racism in Ireland and Europe, and ensuring that measures against racism are integrated into national and EU policy.
Mr Taylor said: "It appears that prejudice against minority nationalities and religions lies deep within our psyche and in some parts of Europe these prejudices appear to be hardending rather than weakening."
The launch was followed by a special showing of Rosie and Starwars, the Calypso theatre production which deals with discrimination against travellers.