Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
1022. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated amount it would cost to re-establish the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36200/23]
View answerThe National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI) was established in 1998 as an independent expert body focusing on racism and interculturalism. The NCCRI was a partnership body, bringing together government and non-government organisations to develop strategic approaches to combating racism and promoting an intercultural Irish society.
In 2020, the Government established an independent Anti-Racism Committee to strengthen the Government’s approach to combatting individual and institutional racism, and build on the antiracism actions included in the Migrant Integration Strategy and the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy. This is part of Ireland’s response to the UN call for global action to eliminate racism.
In March 2023, the Government launched the National Action Plan Against Racism (NAPAR); a five-year plan that aims to effect meaningful and measurable change.
As part of the plan, the Committee proposed arrangements for its implementation, monitoring and review. These include the appointment of an independent Special Rapporteur on Racial Equality and Racism, to independently monitor and report on progress towards the objectives of the Plan.
The Committee also proposed the formation of two new groups: an interdepartmental working group will comprise of senior officials across government departments, working towards implementing the actions in the plan. An Advisory Committee on Racial Equality and Racism, which will include individuals with lived experience of racism, will provide knowledge and expertise to the Special Rapporteur.
It is my intention that the Special Rapporteur, along with a NAPAR Co-ordination Committee and the Advisory Committee, will bring together Government and affected parties to fulfil the role of monitoring and implementation of the action plan. Costs associated with the establishment of the Special Rapporteur and groups will be included as part of the Estimates process.
The Government has decided that these mechanisms will form the basis for challenging racism rather than re-establishing the NCCRI. As a consequence, an estimate of potential costs for re-establishing the NCCRI has not been undertaken.
