Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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Question 61: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make contact with the Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond as a matter of urgency regarding the continuing problem of anti-Irish racism in Scotland to ascertain the steps the Scottish executive are taking to counteract this on going problem. [6703/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I take it that the Deputy is referring to recent reports of sectarian behaviour at football matches which took place in Scotland in the last month or so. Matters of this nature are kept under constant review by the Scottish Government, which has repeatedly stated that there is no place for racism or sectarianism – in relation to any community - in Scotland. I welcome the decision in March by the Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond to establish a Joint Action Group to implement a series of measures to support the work of football clubs, local authorities and police with communities to address alcohol misuse, sectarianism, racism, domestic abuse and violence. I am very aware of the concerns of the Irish community in Scotland and know that they will help to contribute to this initiative.

We share the view of the Scottish Government that racism and sectarianism are abhorrent in all their forms and are contrary to the spirit in which any sport is played. I can assure the Deputy that our Consul General of Ireland in Edinburgh continues to maintain dialogue on these matters with the Scottish authorities and to report back to my Department.