Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The well-being framework tells us that the number of people experiencing discrimination in Ireland is rising. It is important to acknowledge this reality today as we mark International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Analysis commissioned by the Higher Education Authority, HEA, in 2021 found that more than a third of minority ethnic third level staff were subjected to racial or ethnic discrimination. The research also demonstrated widespread discrimination blindness among non-ethnic staff with fewer than half of respondents agreeing that there was clear guidance on what actions to take when they experienced or witnessed racist discrimination, harassment or abuse. University employees from minority ethnic groups were less likely to have a permanent contract and were more likely to earn less than their white colleagues.

I commend the HEA on the launch of the antiracism principles initiative yesterday and the acknowledgement by the presidents of our universities that race inequality is an issue in their institutions. Racism, of course, is not limited to higher education. The structural discrimination set out so starkly in the HEA research tells us that today’s message on discrimination - "Learn, Speak Up, Act" - must be adopted by leaders across all State institutions. The theme of this year’s international day focuses on the urgency of combating racism and racial discrimination. What initiatives will the Taoiseach and his Ministers announce today to reinforce that very important message?

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