Speech for the Minister of State John McGuinness for launch of DVD on diversity training in Carlow – 5/11/2007

Ladies and Gentlemen

I am delighted to have been given this opportunity today to launch this DVD. I wish to extend my congratulations to the Carlow EQUAL who are co-ordinating this product. Carlow EQUAL is a project within the EQUAL Community Initiative Programme 2000-2006, which is co-funded through the European Social Fund. The Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment is the EQUAL Managing Authority for this Programme. The aim of the EQUAL Programme is to combat all forms of exclusion, discrimination and inequalities in the labour market. The launch of this DVD here today is testament to the innovation and success of the Carlow EQUAL project and the EQUAL Programme. I would also like to extend my congratulations to Skillnets and the product partners Carlow County Chamber, County Carlow VEC, Carlow County Enterprise Board and Carlow Local Authorities for their initiative in developing and producing this FETAC accredited Diversity training tool.

I am sure that this training programme will prove a very useful method of raising awareness of cultural diversity in a wide variety of workplace settings. It will assist people to recognise and explore cultural differences. Ultimately, the training will hopefully challenge preconceptions and attitudes and should lead to a greater understanding and acceptance towards people of different race, culture and backgrounds.

We are all aware that over the past decade or so, Ireland has been transformed from a relatively mono-cultural society into a far more culturally diverse society. The integration of newcomer minorities is perhaps one of the most important social issues we face over the next few decades.

The Government is well aware of the challenges that these changes pose for Irish society and is actively working to ensure that the transition can become a positive experience for Irish and newcomer alike. In June of this year, Mr. Conor Lenihan was appointed as the first Minister of State with responsibility for integration policy. This is an important reflection of the political emphasis now being given to the integration area.

Minister Lenihan has recently announced that he intends to set up a Task Force to identify key issues affecting immigrant communities, consult widely, visit communities and examine previous research. The Task Group will be in operation in early 2008 and will have a year to do its work and will report back with recommendations.

Of course, while Government must take the lead in integration policy and resource allocation, we need to acknowledge that we all have responsibilities in this area- the State through all its Government Departments, local authorities; community groups; trade unions; employer organisations; NGO’s and newcomers themselves.

This training tool is an excellent example of the initiatives that are being progressed at a local level in the integration area and will have a real positive impact on how people view and deal with migrants on a one to one basis.

For most migrants, the main point of contact with the indigenous population is in the workplace, as staff or customers. Therefore, it is vitally important that we make these experiences as positive as possible. This is where training for staff is key- and I know that this DVD and the on-line training and exam programme will prove to be a valuable resource tool for businesses and individuals alike.

We must continually drive for an inclusive society where everyone is assured of respect for their identity and where reasonable accommodation is made for different cultures. There is no reason why this cannot be achieved.

Finally, I would like to congratulate you again on this training initiative and wish you well with its implementation.