Nasc condemns racist remarks about non-national taxi drivers
Last evening, Senator Paschal Mooney made racist remarks about non-national taxi drivers in the Seanad, and claimed he seeks out ‘local’ taxi drivers in preference to a driver “who’s a non-national”. For media coverage, click here and here.
Although he withdrew the remarks later last night, claiming he was ‘misunderstood’, Nasc is concerned that comments like this made in public spaces and by public figures can incite discrimination and racism.
Nasc CEO Fiona Finn notes, “Remarks of this nature from a political leader are unacceptable and damaging on both an individual and community level they serve to legitimise racial abuse, and prejudice of a particular group. This is not the first time that remarks of this nature have been made by public officials.”
Nasc would also be highly concerned about recent racist and inflammatory comments made about Travellers by two Donegal town councillors.
Nasc has long been aware that migrant and ethnic minority taxi drivers in Cork experience significant discrimination, sometimes making it difficult for them to earn a living as people refuse to get into their taxis. Migrant and ethnic minority taxi drivers also experience discrimination and abuse from other taxi drivers.
As part of our work to combat racism and promote integration and equality, Nasc liaises between ethnic minority and migrant taxi drivers and the community gardaí in Cork in trying to promote dialogue and put an end to the racism and discrimination taxi drivers experience.
Anyone who experiences or witnesses a racist incident can report this to us in complete confidence. We will then help you to determine whether an offence has been committed and should you decide to proceed, will assist in reporting the matter to the Gardaí. To make a report or for further information, please call us on 021-4317411, visit our Reporting Racism page or email reportracism@nascireland.org.
