COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, June 14, 2010

MOTION NO.4

MOTION: Councillor M. Corr

That this Council undertakes a significant Anti-racism Campaign within the County, to include a major conference involving all minority ethnic groups possible in order to highlight and promote awareness of the consequences of racism and to demonstrate this Council's condemnation of all racist activities/practices.

REPORT:

The Council has carried out a significant volume of work in the area of anti-racism through its Social Inclusion Unit and the Community and Housing Departments. While some events directly dealt with the anti-racism issue, the emphasis with many of the actions was to promote interculturism and the integration of the new communities into the culture, language and day to day life of people in South Dublin County.

Some of the events and activities held over the past twelve months include the following:-

• European Week against Racism 13th March – 21st March 2010 March 21^st: The Social Inclusion Unit in partnership with the Sports and Recreational Officer, and Football in the Community Development Officers organised a soccer blitz on the 16^th March 2010 for primary schools and 23^rd March 2010 for 2^nd Level Schools.   The event was well attended.
• Two hundred entries were received from Primary schools, 2^nd Level Schools, staff and members of the public conveying their personal message against racism through a number of mediums.  The awards ceremony took place in the Council Chamber on Friday 23^rd April 2010.
•          Social Inclusion Website:  New to South Dublin is now live on the Social Inclusion Website. This website has relevant information needed by someone who is "new to South Dublin" and is designed to try and help people to cope and deal with every aspect of their new life in South Dublin, thus making integration easier and minimising the effects of anti-racism.
•         Meet your Neighbours Brookfield Youth and Community Centre: On the 24^th March the Social Inclusion Unit hosted a café style discussion in Brookfield Youth and Community Centre for the residents of MacUilliam Estate.  The event was well attended, and included many people from other countries. People were encouraged to sit at a number of different tables and to mix with people who they may not have met prior to this occasion.  It is hoped that it will enhance community relations, increase understanding of “other cultures” and build relationships between diverse groups. A report on the event is been complied and it will be circulated soon.
•        Social Inclusion Competition for 2^nd Level Schools: The objectives of the competition are to raise awareness and enhance understanding of some of the key issues around poverty and inequality in our society amongst the second level schools in South Dublin County. Prizes will be presented in the Council Chamber on the 6^th May 2010 at 12.00 noon. Anti -racism will be a key theme in the competition.
•       Funding from Minister John Curran T. D., Minister of State with special responsibility for Drugs Strategy and Community Affairs, has been secured for measures to promote the integration of foreign nationals throughout 2010.  The Fettercairn Horse Project for children from the new communities commenced on the 15^th April and includes a number of children from MacUilliam Estate, Tallaght.
•      Golf Programme for Young Children: This programme is a joint initiative between the Social Inclusion Unit and Sports and Recreation Office.  Funding has been secured to continue the programme in 2010.  It is hope to extend it to other schools and also have a system in place whereby children who show potential with their golf skills can build on it. The new programmes started on April 20^th in Grange Castle Golf Course and April 22nd in Hazelgrove Golf Course. Evaluation Reports have been circulated to all schools involved.  A once off game of golf for the participants in the last programme took place in Grange Castle Golf Course on 21^st April 2010. The schools have been asked and have readily agreed to ensure that there is a diverse group of children put forward for the programmes to ensure that children of all races and creeds are included.

·         Cultural Diversity Seminar: A work plan has been put in place outlining the Actions from the Cultural Diversity Report for implementation by the Social Inclusion Unit.  A working group consisting of members of CPLN Partnership, Dodder Valley Partnership, Clondalkin Intercultural Centre and TIA has been established for the implementation of the remaining actions from the Cultural Diversity Seminar.

·         Traveller Focus Week – Traveller Pride Café 1^st December 2009

As part of Traveller Focus Weeks South Dublin Council  hosted a Café Style Conversation in St. Ronans Community Centre, St. Cuthberts Road, Deansrath, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 on Tuesday 1st December 2009. Over 60 people attended on the day.The aim of the Café event was to engage participants’ collective intelligence on questions about Traveller culture and issues by using a conversational process, which uses innovative yet simple methodologies.

The theme for this year’s Traveller focus week is Traveller pride. Travellers are a unique group within Irish society, having their own culture and language.  The week’s focus was on the positive contribution of Travellers and Traveller culture to our communities.

Objectives of Traveller Focus Week

• To develop Travellers pride in their Irish identity and cultural background
• To develop awareness and promote an understanding of Travellers position in Irish society
• To highlight Travellers contribution to Irish society
• To promote Traveller participation in public life and policy development

T Factor  Talent Show –  September 2009- Civic Theatre Tallaght

The T Factor Talent Show emanated from an idea of Melissa Connors a member of the Travelling Community who works as a Clerical Officer in South Dublin County Council to showcase talents of the travelling community.  Having read and seen many negative reports on Travellers in the media and knowing such reports were not a true representation of Travellers or their culture Melissa wanted to show a positive side of Traveller Culture. The show was a tremendous success.

Internship Scheme: Interviews have taken place and a panel has been established with suitable candidates.  One intern commenced work experience in the Council offfices on the 1^st March 2010. This is the sixth in the series of Internship Scheme which the Social Inclusion Unit initiated in 2007. The Evaluation Report of the previous Internship Scheme has been circulated.People of many different races and cultures have participated in the scheme so far.

The Community Services Department will examine the idea of holding a conference as suggested by the Councillor.