Irish people need to value the contributions that immigrants are making in the society, the Ceann Comhairle has said.
“I believe it is very important that ethnic minorities are recognised and valued for what they contribute to our society,” commented John O’Donoghue. “As foreign nationals get more involved at whatever level in the political process, the stronger their voice becomes.”
O’Donoghue, a former Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, and until the recent election Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, was speaking at a lunch in the Dáil in honour of the newly elected Mayor of Portlaoise Town Council, Rotimi Adebari – the first Black person to hold such an office in Ireland.
In welcoming Mayor Adebari’s election, O’Don-oghue noted that the involvement of ethnic minorities in Irish life was a positive development which will benefit the society in all its ramifications.
“It should serve as an example and encouragement to those from other countries who come to live in Ireland. Integration is about getting involved in a new culture and new lifestyle. But it is also about getting involved in the political system, being an active citizen working for the good of your community,” he said.
The Ceann Comhairle said he is looking forward to the greater participation of ethnic minorities in politics, especially in the next local elections scheduled for 2009.
“In two years’ time local elections will be held, and I hope that we’ll see greater cultural diversity reflected and represented on our local councils,” said O’Donoghue.
“It enriches our society to have the diversity we now see in Ireland. The involvement of those who have come here from other countries in our political system will enrich our democracy. I am sure it is only a matter of time before we see some ‘new Irish’ elected to the houses of the Oireachtas.”
In his response, Mayor Rotimi Adebari – who said the visit was his very first visit to the Dáil – accepted that his election was undoubtedly an historic event which has put both Portlaoise and Ireland on the world map.
The mayor used the opportunity to call on the Government to review its Family Reunification policy, warning that “you cannot have integration if families are kept apart”. Mayor Adebari also urged the Government to extend working visas to the spouses of immigrant workers in the State.
