Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the significant increase in the number of complaints regarding racism reported to the Equality Authority and to the finding in the report of Alliance that Government policies were fuelling racism; the steps the Government is taking to combat racism in society here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4951/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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In respect of the report of the NGO Alliance and the steps being taken to combat racism I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 734 of 26 January 2005.

The Deputy will also be aware that on 27 January last the Government launched the national action plan against racism. The plan provides strategic direction to combat racism and to promote the development of a more inclusive, intercultural society in Ireland. The plan's development included a lengthy consultation process involving a wide range of stakeholders, including Government, the social partners and civil society.

The Equality Authority, whose function it is to combat discrimination and promote equality, reports that in 2003 — the latest date for which full year figures are available — the authority had, under the race ground, 166 case files active arising from enquiries under the Employment Equality Act and 80 arising from inquiries under the Equal Status Act. The equivalent figures for 2002 are 107 and 66, respectively. While the figures for 2003 indicate a rise in the number of cases reported under the race ground, it is important to remember that the cases require investigation before outcomes can be determined and any conclusions drawn. The authority has further informed me that the main types of cases under employment legislation involved working conditions, dismissal and access to employment. The equivalents for equal status legislation involved licensed premises, educational establishments and accommodation.

The Deputy will also be interested to note that the number of criminal incidents with a racial motive reported to the Garda Síochána has fallen from 102 incidents in 2002 to 48 incidents in 2004.