Show Racism the Red Card wins political support

Show Racism the Red Card recently applied to the government for funding its work to deliver coordination of its work on a national level and produce education resources and deliver a number of integration programmes. We recently made a presentation to the Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Sport and Tourism.In making the presentation we spelled out clearly our aims and objectives identifying the needs of the project while also advising on our record of activity. Our panel of presenters included Garrett Mulla, Fran Gavin (PFAI), Dessie Farrell (GPA) and Des Tomlinson (FAI Intercultural Officer). We presented at the invitation of Deputy Jimmy Deenihan TD (Fine Gael Spokesman on Arts, Sport and Tourism).We explained some of our work including the partnerships we have developed at Drogheda United, Shamrock Rovers and Galway United. We also had the opportunity to refer to how we have worked against racism in sport while emphasising the ours is a project of education through sport.Prevention is betterDeputy Deenihan Fine Gael said: ‘The delegation is taking account of the future by pre-empting events that may occur. It is better to put these principles in place now to ensure this does not occur in Ireland in five years time’.Not chasing the issueWhile Deputy Jack Wall Labour said: ‘The advantage of this is that we are not chasing the issue of integration of ethnic groups in various parts of the country. Small villages now have ethnic groups for the first time. As elected representatives, we must use every avenue available to remind ourselves that racism could commence, something that we do not want.On behalf of the Labour Party I support the actions of the delegation. These policies are part of a Labour Party sports document. I am unsure of the financial background of Mr. Mullan’s group but if there is a need for documentary assistance we will offer support to ensure that these aims are not hindered by financial considerations’.On a par with the five rings of the OlympicsDeputy Jim Glennon Fianna Fail added:’The red card is a marvellous logo with a strong impact. How can it be put across throughout the sporting world? Has the delegation taken any steps to have it included as a matter of course in the programmes for major sports events? It could also be included on the notepaper of national sporting bodies, which is generally festooned with logos such as that of the sponsors. The red card should be on a par with the five Olympic rings and the logos of the FAI, IRFU and GAA. It is an essential element of sport’.A full transcript of the meeting is on http://debates.oireachtas.ie/DDebate.aspx?F=TOJ20061025.xml&Node=H2#H2