Managing Diversity in Ireland Today

Since the late 1990’s, the demographic profile of Ireland has changed dramatically. One of the measures undertaken by Government, in recognition of this change, was the development of the National Action Plan Against Racism (NPAR) 2005- 2008. This four year programme was designed to provide strategic direction towards the achievement of a more intercultural inclusive society in Ireland. Under the Plan, support was provided towards the development of a number of national and local strategies promoting greater integration in our workplaces, in the police service, the health service, in our education system, in the arts and within our local authorities.

While the National Action Plan against Racism focussed on the period 2005 to 2008, the Office of the Minister for Integration will continue to maintain the Government commitment to address racism as a key aspect of integration, diversity management and broader national social policy. We will continue to work with many sectors including the Garda Síochána (Irish Police), Local Authorities, Sporting Bodies, Government Departments, the social partners and broader civil society including cultural and ethnic minorities, to further progress the integration and diversity management agenda.

The Irish Government is also fully committed to complying with our international obligations in this regard, in particular, in relation to the work undertaken by the UN. The Office of the Minister for Integration was actively engaged in the process to review the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action produced during the World Conference against Racism, held in Durban in 2001. The Review Conference itself took place in Geneva from 20 – 24 April 2009.

The Office of the Minister for Integration prepared Ireland's Joint Third and Fourth State Report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Racism Discrimination. The report was transmitted to the Committee in December 2009 and is available here. The report will be examined by the Committee in due course- early indications suggest the examination may take place in March 2011.

Tackling racism and promoting diversity is not just the responsibility of Government. Everybody in Irish society, including individuals, organisations, businesses, Governmental and non- Governmental Organisations have a responsibility to address racism and its impact on the people who experience it.

Details of the work already undertaken or planned in this area are outlined in this section of our website.







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