Minister Curran Launches County Louth Peace and Reconciliation Partnership Action Plan 2008-2010 Activity IV- Institutional Sectarianism & Racism
05/02/2010
Minister for Integration, John Curran T.D., today launched a new project by the Louth County Enterprise Board, Louth Council and the County Louth PEACE and Reconciliation Partnership programme strand, aimed at addressing Institutional Sectarianism and Racism in the Workplace.
At the launch the Minister said "Racism has no place in the workplace, in our communities or in our society. So, in addition to launching this very worthwhile project, which aims to address this problem, I also want to take this opportunity to stress how firmly committed this Government and my Office is to promoting an inclusive society and to the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination".
The aim of the Co. Louth Peace and Reconciliation Partnership Action Plan 2008 -2010 is to reinforce progress towards a peaceful and stable society and to promote reconciliation. The purpose of the Action Plan is to identify achievable actions that fit into the framework of the Co. Louth Peace and Reconciliation Partnership's Peace III Strategy and Plan 2008 -2010.
The Minister continued "The Government has recognised the business case for diversity. There is a compelling case for properly managing diversity and integrating immigrants in the workplace as a necessary element of social inclusion. This message is underlined in the policy statement of my Office: "Migration Nation".
It has been proven, through research, that equality and diversity strategies have a significant effect in increasing productivity and innovation and in reducing employee turnover."
The Minister concluded "We are now facing many new challenges during this economic downturn. Increasing numbers on the unemployment register and significant cuts in public expenditure have impacted upon everyone living here.
The greatest challenge of all will be to use our available resources to achieve the best and most efficient outcomes for all members of society - members who have made a significant economic, social and cultural contribution to this country over the last number of years.
In recognition of the importance of tackling the issue of racism, a number of government sponsored initiatives have been undertaken in recent times. These initiatives are outlined in Ireland's most recent report to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. My Office compiled and submitted this report to the UN at the end of last year and it is available on the office website at www.integration.ie."
4th January 2010
Note to Editors
Activity IV of the Louth Peace and Reconciliation Partnership Action Plan 2008-2010 is about addressing Institutional Sectarianism and Racism. The main actions proposed in this activity are to:
- Scope the nature and extent of institutional sectarianism and racism in Co. Louth;
- Consider the variety of diversity models which exist and determine which models suit this county and its cross border hinterland;
- Develop new and/or adapt existing models of best practice to tackle institutional sectarianism and racism both from the employers and employees perspective;
- Implement models of practice throughout the county and on a cross border basis.
This project is supported by the European Union's PEACE III Programme, as awarded by Louth Peace & Reconciliation Partnership.
At the launch the Minister said "Racism has no place in the workplace, in our communities or in our society. So, in addition to launching this very worthwhile project, which aims to address this problem, I also want to take this opportunity to stress how firmly committed this Government and my Office is to promoting an inclusive society and to the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination".
The aim of the Co. Louth Peace and Reconciliation Partnership Action Plan 2008 -2010 is to reinforce progress towards a peaceful and stable society and to promote reconciliation. The purpose of the Action Plan is to identify achievable actions that fit into the framework of the Co. Louth Peace and Reconciliation Partnership's Peace III Strategy and Plan 2008 -2010.
The Minister continued "The Government has recognised the business case for diversity. There is a compelling case for properly managing diversity and integrating immigrants in the workplace as a necessary element of social inclusion. This message is underlined in the policy statement of my Office: "Migration Nation".
It has been proven, through research, that equality and diversity strategies have a significant effect in increasing productivity and innovation and in reducing employee turnover."
The Minister concluded "We are now facing many new challenges during this economic downturn. Increasing numbers on the unemployment register and significant cuts in public expenditure have impacted upon everyone living here.
The greatest challenge of all will be to use our available resources to achieve the best and most efficient outcomes for all members of society - members who have made a significant economic, social and cultural contribution to this country over the last number of years.
In recognition of the importance of tackling the issue of racism, a number of government sponsored initiatives have been undertaken in recent times. These initiatives are outlined in Ireland's most recent report to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. My Office compiled and submitted this report to the UN at the end of last year and it is available on the office website at www.integration.ie."
4th January 2010
Note to Editors
Activity IV of the Louth Peace and Reconciliation Partnership Action Plan 2008-2010 is about addressing Institutional Sectarianism and Racism. The main actions proposed in this activity are to:
- Scope the nature and extent of institutional sectarianism and racism in Co. Louth;
- Consider the variety of diversity models which exist and determine which models suit this county and its cross border hinterland;
- Develop new and/or adapt existing models of best practice to tackle institutional sectarianism and racism both from the employers and employees perspective;
- Implement models of practice throughout the county and on a cross border basis.
This project is supported by the European Union's PEACE III Programme, as awarded by Louth Peace & Reconciliation Partnership.
