Discrimination by non-Irish claim

LOCAL people have been discriminated against by non-Irish nationals, it has been claimed by one local councillor, who has called for an end to all kinds of discrimination.
Councillor Frankie Neylon was speaking at this week’s meeting of Ennis Town Council, where councillors voted against a proposal calling for the Government to provide mandatory equality and anti-discrimination training for local representatives.
Councillor Paul O’Shea had proposed the council extend their sympathies to the family of Moses Ayanwole, the taxi driver who was murdered in Dublin in November. This was unanimously agreed by all councillors.
However, a dispute arose between the councillors following Councillor O’Shea’s proposal that the council request that Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan, legislate immediately for mandatory training in equality, anti-discrimination and racism for all local elected representatives throughout the State.
Councillor O’Shea stated local representatives are “obliged to the people, that we use appropriate and inclusive language”. However, Councillor Tommy Brennan dissented from the proposal saying, “I’ve served the people of Ennis and this town for the last 32 years and I have always treated everyone who came to my home with respect, no matter what creed or colour and I will continue to do so. I don’t believe we need training for good manners.”
However, Councillor Johnny Flynn supported the call. Making reference to the controversy surrounding remarks made by former mayor of Naas, Darren Scully, Councillor Flynn commented that training would allow councillors’ views to be expressed more appropriately.
Councillor Frankie Neylon outlined the county has a good reputation for inclusiveness, including the election of former councillor Taiwo Matthew to Ennis Town Council.
However, he added, “Discrimination works in two ways and I have met people in the last five years from this town who have been discriminated against by non[Irish]-nationals. This discrimination has to stop or it’s going to get worse.” He stated that he could not comment further about this, as some matters will be coming before the courts in the future.
“I think the people of this town have welcomed everybody. I am totally against racism and discrimination. I have no problem meeting any of the 26 nationalities in this town,” he added.
Councillor Mary Howard insisted it is important councillors are educated to ensure their words are not misconstrued.
Councillor Mary Coote Ryan said in dealing with members of the public, respect is the most important thing. “It’s about just having respect for each other, regardless of religion or colour and I don’t think you need training for that.”
Councillor Michael Guilfoyle added that the training could result in legal difficulties for the local authority. Councillor Paul O’Shea concluded by stating the course would be three hours long and he challenged the proposal’s critics by asking if they were up to date on equality legislation.
A vote was taken with Councillor Tommy Brennan, Councillor Mary Coote Ryan, Councillor Michael Guilfoyle and Councillor Frankie Neylon voting against. Councillor Johnny Flynn, Councillor Mary Howard and Councillor Paul O’Shea voted for the proposal. Councillors Brian Meaney and Peter Considine were not at the meeting.