Ireland: Address by Minister Stanton to the National Annual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association

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I believe that it is through events such as this one today that we can engage in a process of dialogue with those of other faiths and beliefs.

Times of Ahmad | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: Government of Ireland
By Department of Justice | July 31, 2016

Ladies and Gentlemen, dear friends,

I am delighted to be here today to address this event and to participate in the discussions which will occur.

I would like to thank the organisers for their very kind and thoughtful invitation to attend this morning.

As Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, with special responsibility for Equality, Immigration and Integration, I believe it is important for politicians from all parties, and other leaders in our community, to engage in a meaningful and open way with the representatives of the various communities from which the fabric of Irish society is now woven.

The Muslim community in Ireland has grown substantially over the last number of years, and while we do not have up-to-date information available on the number of people of the Muslim faith living in Ireland, our last Census which was held in 2011 showed that, at that time, there were 49,204 persons of the Muslim faith ordinarily resident in Ireland on Census night.

I expect that this figure has increased and that this will be borne out by the information which will become available once the results of Census 2016 have been published.

The Muslim community itself in Ireland can be truly described as multi-cultural, encompassing as it does Muslims from many countries, including, Ireland, Pakistan, Algeria, Somalia, South Africa and Iraq, to name but a few. The Muslim faith is the third largest religious group in the State, behind the Catholic and Church of Ireland faiths.

We have seen recently through the lens of world events how some people have attempted to justify atrocities perpetrated against innocent members of the public in the name of religion. No right-thinking person can condone such actions, and we send our sympathies and prayers to those who have been so cruelly affected.

I believe that it is through events such as this one today that we can engage in a process of dialogue with those of other faiths and beliefs.

Given the multi-cultural nature of Irish society as it stands, and the importance of the Muslim community within Irish society, ongoing dialogue between people of different belief systems and faiths can be a powerful tool in building, enhancing and supporting understanding and tolerance.

Through dialogue we can increase understanding.

It is through dialogue that we can come to truly understand, and respect, the different opinions others hold, whether those differences lie in the field of religion, politics or social customs and beliefs.

Dialogue and discussion are important in ensuring that, where there are concerns, such concerns can be identified at an early juncture and action taken, where appropriate, to ensure that the community as a whole is protected.

As Minister of State, it is my intention to ensure that, not only are the lines of communication kept open, but that they are used on a regular basis to enhance trust and understanding. In addition, such lines of communication can be used to identify impediments or barriers to successful integration, a process that I, as Minister, am anxious to see progressed and enhanced.

I am aware that the community represented here today works hard to promote the peaceful message of Islam in the wider community, and this is something which deserves to be recognised and encouraged.

I am afraid that it is all too often that the negative events which occur in society attract media comment, not the more positive stories. However, we should not underestimate or minimise the positive effects that can be achieved through community work and local engagement, and in this regard I am mindful of the good work the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community engage in.

I would encourage you to continue with such works and to participate fully in the community life of the areas in which you live.

I would like to briefly mention the renewed Migrant Integration Strategy that is being worked on by the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration, an Office of the Department of Justice and Equality.

In March 2014, the then Minister for Justice and Equality announced that there would be a review of Ireland’s approach to the integration of migrants to ensure that the policy remained fully in keeping with the Government’s commitment in the then Programme for Government to promote policies which contribute to integration.

This commitment to the successful integration of migrants is something which I fully subscribe and support.

Work is already very advanced on the revised document and it is my intention to publish the Migrant Integration Strategy in the Autumn.

True integration, understanding and acceptance happens at a local level and it is within the local communities throughout the country that people can make a fundamental and positive difference to the lives of others.

Finally, I would like once again to thank the organisers of today’s event for the invitation to attend and to commend them for all of the hard work which goes into ensuring success on the day.


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