Further monitoring, enforcement and sanctions are some of the measures needed to combat racism in Ireland, according to the recommendations published by IHREC for Ireland’s National Action Plan Against Racism.
The IHREC’s “Developing an Action Plan Against Racism” highlights changes needed in a multitude of sectors, including but not limited to policing, education, employment, and healthcare. Over 130 recommendations for State action were published in the report.
Part of these recommendations is the inclusion of systemic training and a more inclusive system of recruitment in sectors such as our police and teaching professions. It also lobbies for the introduction of an annual public forum on the progression of anti-racism in Ireland, alongside the inclusion of a dedicated leadership for the plan within Government.
These recommendations will be presented to the Government’s Anti-Racism Committee on the 16th ofSeptember, with their plan due to be published later this year.
Sinéad Gibney, Chief Commissioner of IRHEC earlier noted that; “Addressing racism in Ireland requires mobilisation across Irish society. Put simply it needs to be a priority not only in our laws, our public services and our budgets, but also in the places where we learn, where we work, and where we meet.”
Their recommendations for the Plan relating to education are noted below:
"Review the equality implications of use of the past pupil criterion in education admissions; to address the use of reduced timetables and to put in place programmes to improve education outcomes for Traveller and Roma children."
"Address educational issues for children in the international protection process, including adequate resourcing of English language supports, IT equipment and transport to ensure access to after-school activities, as well as provision of information resources to families about registering for a school place."
"Develop a transparent plan on the divestment and patronage of schools, with provision for sanctions for inadequate implementation."
"Embed mandatory antiracism programmes at all levels of the education system, as well as in initial teacher training and continuous professional development programmes. Antiracism education should include content tailored to different groups’ experiences of racism such as Travellers and People of African Descent."
Further information on the report’s recommendations can be found on the IRHEC’s website.