Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 334: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise an issue regarding lyrics of a song (details supplied) with his counterpart in Scotland; and when he will make contact with this person. [37921/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the on-going issue of sectarian behaviour, including the singing of offensive songs, at Scottish premier league games and of the distress that this can cause.

Since its opening in 1998, the Consulate General of Ireland in Edinburgh has maintained a wide-ranging dialogue with the Scottish Government on issues. In recent weeks the Consul General has been in close contact with senior officials in the Scottish Government in relation to incidents of sectarianism of the kind referred to in the question. Following from these discussions, I am assured that tangible new steps to tackle sectarianism and racism in sport are currently being reviewed by the Scottish Government. I am also aware of ongoing efforts by the football authorities in Scotland to discourage this kind of behaviour. I am hopeful that the proposed measures will help to improve the situation. The Consulate General will continue to monitor closely, and to keep me apprised of developments.