Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 601: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that sectarian and racist chanting by Glasgow Rangers supporters again occurred during the course of the soccer match between Glasgow Rangers and Glasgow Celtic on 15 February 2009; the reason no meaningful action has been taken to date by the Scottish authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12230/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware that, notwithstanding significant efforts by the relevant authorities, instances of sectarian behaviour have occurred at Scottish premier league games, and of the distress and offence that this can cause.

I am fully supportive of the efforts of the Scottish Government, Police and Football Association to tackle sectarian behaviour, from whatever quarter. I am confident that the Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that sectarianism has no place in any aspect of Scottish society.

Since its opening in 1998, the Consulate General of Ireland in Edinburgh has maintained a wide-ranging dialogue with the Scottish Government. The Consulate remains in close contact with senior officials in the Scottish Government in relation to incidents of sectarianism of the kind referred to in the question. The Consulate General will continue to closely follow any developments in this regard.