Sir, - Recent disturbing reports from the European mainland of people murdered in racist attacks, prompt a question which I am reluctant to ask - how long before someone dies in Ireland as a result of a racist outrage? A couple of victims have been seriously injured and one of them was close to death's door. Our Government should be extremely concerned, and indeed I am sure they are, but what, if anything, are they doing about the nasty manifestations of racism and xenophobia which besmirch our good name. "Ireland of the Welcomes" how are you!
Is any use being made of the Incitement to Hatred legislation on our statute books? Surely the wide ranging provisions of this law could be used with good effect to get across the message that racial intolerance and discrimination are not acceptable in our land. It would be interesting to learn exactly how many cases have been brought under this Act?
Education and information has to be the best antidote for the problem. The Government has a grave responsibility to initiate an immediate campaign to educate and prepare the citizens of Ireland for the mixed-race country which we will undoubtedly become. Our economy, if it is to continue to grow and prosper, desperately needs foreign workers and they must be welcomed here with open arms and, more importantly, with open minds. The message of tolerance, and sensitivity towards other cultures should form the basis of a determined nationwide Government information campaign, using all modern means of communication and all media outlets. Particular programmes should be prepared for all State employees on the need to exercise greater understanding and sensitivity to foreigners, whose grasp of English is less than perfect, and whose knowledge of how our systems work is probably non-existent. The Minister for Education carries a special responsibility to prepare our young people to face confidently and comfortably into an adult Ireland in which tolerance, pluralism and respect for all people are accepted norms.
It is time for a clear and unambiguous signal from our elected leaders that the evils of racism and xenophobia will not be tolerated here. Negative vibes must be exorcised from all departments of Government. Time is pressing to shut the proverbial "stable door". For a start we must ratify the 30-year-old UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discriminations. It is a disgrace that we are the only EU State not to have done so. What message does this send out? - Yours, etc.,
L. G. Kilgallen, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.