CSR statement on Dublin violence
Following the sad events in Citywest last night, we wish to highlight our concerns - all the aspects of which, we have consistently spoken about before.
The violent scenes, threat and destruction outside the IPAS centre at Citywest on Tuesday evening are totally unacceptable and inexcusable. We commend the gardaí for their alert response and their courage and dedication in the keeping of the peace on Tuesday as well as at other times.
In the various cases of sexual assault on children before the courts on Tuesday, one related to an incident in Saggart, Co. Dublin on Monday. As well as the criminal investigation, this incident requires thorough investigation by the authorities and agencies concerned. It is appalling. And so too are the many sexual assaults of children each day throughout our country. They highlight the vulnerability of children throughout our society, the shame that our sad legacy of abuse of the vulnerable has not gone away and how we must do better at protecting them inside and outside of the home.
Very sadly, there are those who have deliberately used the incident in Saggart to stoke fear and racism and indulge in violence. This deliberate targeting has created an Ireland that feels incredibly unsafe for many.
As a people who follow the one who was once a refugee, we believe in an Ireland which meets its international humanitarian obligations. Many people are suffering the fearful and practical consequences of racism in its various forms in our society. We seek to do all that we can to dispel fear and ignorance and show our compassion in practical ways.
Issued by the Council on Social Responsibility of the Methodist Church in Ireland (Southern Executive)