John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 34: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that his Department's National Action Plan Against Racism is a success; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6797/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Dáil Question No. 79 of 7 December, 2006 where I outline in detail the progress made under the National Action Plan Against Racism (NPAR) since its launch in January 2005.

I am sure that the Deputy will agree that considerable progress has been made under all of the key objectives of the intercultural framework underpinning the NPAR: Protection, Inclusion, Provision, Recognition and Participation. I am satisfied that the implementation of the NPAR is progressing effectively through its key stakeholders in Government, social partners and civil society. Great credit is due to the Strategic Monitoring Group chaired by Ms. Lucy Gaffney for their work to date in its implementation.

The Deputy will be glad to learn that in its Concluding Observations on Ireland's first and second national report, the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (UNCERD) Committee commended the State, on the adoption of the first National Action Plan against Racism. The extensive consultations with civil society organisations during the drafting of this plan were also welcomed as a positive reflection of the State's commitment to developing an ongoing and constructive relationship with civil society. Furthermore, in his follow up report on progress on the implementation of the recommendations in the UNCERD Concluding Observations, Mr. Morten Kjaerum UNCERD Follow-up Co-ordinator, again commended the State on its implementation of the NPAR. The Council of Europe body, The European Commission on Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), has also praised the work of the NPAR.

The NPAR is the cornerstone of Government policy to create a society which accommodates cultural diversity and combats racism. I am satisfied that through the reasonable and common sense measures in the NPAR, and working coherently with other government policy priorities, in particular on equality and integration, we are creating the conditions for a positive acceptance and understanding of our culturally diverse society.