Introduction
I am delighted to be here today to launch the Dublin North Central Forum for New Communities and I want to thank Inspector Mary Gormley for inviting me to do so.
The first Garda Commissioner, Michael Staines, advocated the fundamental principle of “Policing with the consent of Community”. I know that throughout its history, the force has always aspired to this objective through close links to the local communities in which they serve.
The North Central Division has a successful history of consultation with local communities. I am pleased to see that this consultation is now evolving further and that you are exploring ways of engaging with the new communities living and working in the area.
Background
An Garda Síochána, like any other organisation, faces a changing and challenging work climate. New social issues have emerged over the last few years, linked to the continuing development of our economy. In a relatively short space of time, the proportion of Irish residents born overseas has reached the level found in other advanced countries.
This is a sign of success – a wonderful addition to Irish life. People choose to come to Ireland for a variety of reasons: to study, to join their family members and to work. The Government welcomes the contribution that these new communities have made to not only the economic, but also to the social, development of this country.
However, we must also be honest enough to admit that this growth of immigrant communities poses challenges to policing.
New communities with different needs are emerging and it is important that these needs are properly addressed. For example, language barriers create challenges to effective communication. But there are other issues, such as differences in background and culture, which require us to broaden our thinking and views. In particular, we need to focus on ensuring the successful integration of our new communities. This new reality requires new and innovative solutions.
I warmly welcome the fact that An Garda Síochána is building its capacity to respond to the needs of ethnic minority communities.
I know that they are working with Dublin City Council to provide services that reflect the needs and priorities of the Community.
In conjunction with good communication, we can and will, build a mutual trust, confidence and respect amongst all communities, and with the institutions of the State.
Model for the Forum
The Dublin North Central Forum for Consultation will be based on, and interact with, the existing Community Policing Forum in the North Inner City. A fundamental aspect of any “community policing” approach is networking between participants and those who provide services. This enables local communities to benefit from their collective skills and resources.
The members of the Community Policing Forum have now developed a model for consultation with the new communities. The meetings will be held every three months here in Store Street Garda Station. They will involve a wide range of representatives drawn from the new communities themselves, the Gardai, Dublin City Council, the business community, public representatives and other interested parties.
This dialogue is about improving the quality of life for everyone in the community. Its aim is to enhance relations and communication between communities, local authorities and Garda personnel at a local level in order to tackle local issues.
Active Citizenship
In many ways, participation in this forum is an exercise in active citizenship. Getting involved in your community is something which the Government and I encourage. We have to make a special effort to reach out and involve newcomers to Ireland and I know a warm welcome will be extended to participants from our new communities.
Earlier this year, I established the Taskforce on Active Citizenship to examine these issues across the country as a whole. We need to find ways to encourage people to engage with the issues that affect them. My hope is that the Taskforce will deliver a range of useful recommendations aimed at reinforcing civic engagement and involving new communities is a key part of that agenda.
National Action Plan Against Racism
Combating Racism and creating a more inclusive society are priorities for the Government and we have been active in addressing these issues. In the new social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, we have committed to developing a comprehensive new framework to address the broader issue of integration policy.
However, a comprehensive statement of intent has been in the public domain since the National Action Plan Against Racism was published in 2005. This Plan provides a strategic direction to tackle racism and to build a more inclusive, intercultural society.
In building on the Action Plan, the Government is now seeking to broaden strategies for securing the benefits and meeting the challenges of our new multicultural society. The Garda Síochána are key stakeholders in the delivery of the Action Plan and this Forum is one very positive step in this process.
Conclusion
I know that it will take time to build full trust and confidence between the police and new communities. I do not underestimate the challenge this will pose over the years ahead. But I have no doubt that this new forum will ensure that new communities are actively included in the wider social network and it will provide a unique opportunity for all participants to learn from one other.
Building this formal consultation process with new communities will also help An Garda Síochána to reflect the needs of the society that it serves.
I wish you well in your future work, which, I am confident, will make an important contribution to the development of a more tolerant, integrated and inclusive community here in Dublin. Thank you.
ENDS.