Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

The response was based on the appropriate response for the Government to make in consultation with various Departments. I want to make it absolutely clear that there is no acceptance of racism, nor should there be, by any of us in this State, the Government or on the Opposition side. We do not want racism in our country and neither do we want people engaging in it. The very essence of the citizenship ceremony is a public indication of the extent to which we as a society want to embrace as part of our Irish community those who have come to this country from other countries.

This Government will not tolerate racism. If it is the view that some legislation is required to strengthen our laws in this area, legislation will be enacted. One of the most effective measures to counter racism is education and engagement in the very heart of those communities in which there are people from various backgrounds and nationalities living. The simple continued enactment of more criminal law is not the solution. The armoury is there in our criminal legislation to prosecute those who engage in incitement to hatred.

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