Alleviating sectarianism, racism, and discrimination in Ireland

Policy Response DateDecember 8, 2011 Country: Ireland Address: Dublin General Type: Equality/Integration Racism and discrimination phenomena: Religious intolerance, Inter-ethnic, Intra-ethnic, Nationalism
Groups affected / Interested in: Ethnic minorities, Religious minorities, Majority Key socio-economic/institutional areas: Education, Culture, Media, Internet, Sport, Political participation, Anti-discrimination, Anti-racism, Integration - social cohesion, Daily life, Religion Hate speech/Racist Discourse Medium: Other

From House of Oriechtas (Original Press Release):

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement today turned its attention to the role of sport in alleviating sectarianism, racism, and discrimination in Ireland, North and South.

Addressing the Committee were Garrett Mullen, Co-ordinator of  'Show Racism the Red Card'; Trevor Ringland MBE, former Irish Rugby International; Ryan Feeney, Head of Community Development, Ulster GAA, and Robin Wilson,  Founder of Democratic Dialogue who worked on the Irish Football Association’s 'Football for All' campaign.

Committee Chairman Dominic Hannigan, TD said:  “The Committee today heard how leaders in soccer, rugby and gaelic games are helping reconcile the two main traditions on the island.

“Reflecting the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement, the Committee is exploring practical ways towards reconciliation in its discussions. The sporting dimension was articulated with great passion today.

“The meeting touched on the deeply held views around the playing of anthems in Dublin and Belfast and serves as a reminder of the profound influences of politics on sport and vice versa.

“The Committee takes on board the strong views expressed on the FAI’s recruitment of talented young soccer players in Northern Ireland, particularly given the great strides made by the IFA to make Windsor Park a warmer place for members of the Nationalist community.

“We were concerned to hear the perception that sectarianism is growing rather than diminishing, particularly in urban parts of Northern Ireland.   Nonetheless, the Committee believes that sporting passions, harnessed appropriately, can be a great positive unifier across religion, class and ethnicity on the island.

“The Committee is also encouraged to hear about the positive role the main sporting organisations are playing in integrating immigrant communities and combating racism on the island.

“The Committee notes that athletes from Northern Ireland will form part of the Olympic teams of Ireland and of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, depending on the sport. Taking place on the announcement that the Olympic flame will visit Dublin in June, today’s meeting was timely reminder of the potential of sport to transcend divides.”

 

 

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