Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the fact that a number of reports have shown that racist incidents here are under-reported; the steps he is taking to encourage all victims of racist incidents and attacks to report them to the Gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49661/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The An Garda Síochána National Policing Plan 2012 includes key actions to ensure protection of vulnerable persons and groups through implementation of the Garda Diversity Strategy 2009 - 2012. The strategy prioritises the building of partnerships with diverse communities. The commitment of the Garda authorities in this regard is further illustrated by the work of the Garda Racial and Intercultural office, (GRIDO). This office has responsibility for coordinating, monitoring and giving advice on policing relating to Ireland's diverse communities and works closely with organisations that represent diverse communities.

The services of The Garda Racial, Intercultural and Diversity Office (GRIDO) are available to any person who perceives a crime as racist. In such cases the GRIDO office will assist victims and investigating Gardaí to ensure that the incident receives the appropriate attention. An Garda Síochána has appointed 320 Ethnic Liaison Officers in every Garda district in the Country. These ELOs are given specialist training to work with minority communities. A list of ELOs appointed nationwide is available on the Garda website . The GRIDO also monitors crimes which have a racist motivation on a constant basis so as to ensure that all such crimes are properly recorded and investigated. In addition, An Garda Síochána’s policy on the services and support provided to all victims of crime can be found in the An Garda Síochána Victims Charter which was revised in 2010 and is available at . The Charter states that in relation to victims of racist incidents An Garda Síochána will accurately record the incident, investigate the complaint and put victims in contact with the Garda Ethnic Liaison Officer in their area.

I strongly support the efforts of the Gardaí to engage with the diverse communities in our modern society. I am assured by the Garda authorities that all reports of racist incidents are fully investigated and I would encourage anyone who has concerns about such incidents to contact the Gardaí directly.