Justice Minister concerned over youth attacks on Indian community

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

A majority of recent attacks on the Indian community appear to have been carried out by young people, the Justice Minister has said.

The Ireland India Council said there is an organised social media campaign against the Indian community in Ireland and the number of violent attacks has intensified since January.

In a statement on Thursday, Minister Jim O’Callaghan said he had met representatives of the council and the Federation of Indian Communities in Ireland.

He said: “Any attack against innocent members of the public such as those suffered by members of the Indian community are totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“Attacks on individuals because of their inherent characteristics including race are abhorrent to the values of our republic and are condemned by any right-thinking people.

“What I find most concerning about these attacks is that the majority appear to have been carried out by young people.

“I have been informed that Garda juvenile liaison officers are engaging with the respective communities and youth groups on the matter.”

Mr O’Callaghan said he engaged extensively with the Garda commissioner on the matter and senior investigating officers had been assigned to investigate all reported incidents.