Dermot Ahern Launches Cross Border Initiative tackling Racism

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern TD, today launched a new North/South initiative aimed at tackling racism.

Synergy – North /South Intercultural Initiative is aimed at promoting greater North-South cooperation to tackle the rise in racism and promote practical intercultural programmes in the region.

The cross border initiative, launched in Dundalk, has been developed with the support of the European Union and Cooperation Ireland, the Area Development Management and the Combat Poverty Agency under the INTERREG IIIA Programme for Ireland / N Ireland. It is also being developed in partnership with a number of agencies, voluntary and community and trades union organisations north and south.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Ahern said:

 “As you are all aware today is International Day Against Racism – a fitting day to launch Synergy. Just as racism knows no borders – initiatives like these, which are being mirrored across the EU - need to transcend borders also. Increasingly we are seeing greater collaboration by agencies of Member States to promote interculturalism – the trend is to be lauded, supported and actively defended.”

“As someone who spends a lot of his time on North/South issues, I find this initiative especially pleasing. This initiative will focus on policy issues involving the Traveller Community, migrant workers, asylum seekers and refugees. It will ensure that service providers can better respond to the needs of these groups. It will develop targeted strategies for the inclusion of marginalised groups.”