Irish embassy condemns attacks on Indian citizens and plans community meeting

The Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi on Friday expressed deep concern over the recent surge in violent attacks against Indians living in Ireland, prompting the Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs to plan a meeting with representatives from the Indian community on August 11.

The Irish Embassy issued a strong statement condemning the attacks, stating, “We condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms. They are an assault on the values of equality and human dignity that Ireland holds dear.”

The Embassy further emphasised that racism and xenophobia have no place in Irish society, and that the actions of a few do not reflect the overall spirit of the Irish people.

The Embassy highlighted the significant contributions of the Indian community in Ireland, noting, “Over 100,000 Indians now call Ireland home. Our society is enriched by the diversity of people who live in Ireland, particularly our Indian community, whose contributions continue to deepen the bonds between our nations.”

In response to these events, the Irish authorities have maintained ongoing communication with the Indian mission in Dublin and the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs is actively engaging with the country’s police force.

According to the Embassy, the Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs are scheduled to meet with Indian community representatives to discuss the situation and enhance community safety measures.

The Indian Embassy in Dublin responded to the attacks by issuing a safety advisory on August 1, urging Indian citizens to avoid deserted areas and remain vigilant. The advisory comes amid a series of reported assaults, including the attack on a 51-year-old Indian-origin man, Laxman Das, in Dublin.

In recent weeks, several other incidents have raised alarms, such as the attack on a six-year-old Indian-origin girl in Waterford city and a cab driver in Dublin’s Ballymun suburb. The latter involves an assault where the victim was told to “go back to your own country,” underscoring the racial undertones of some attacks.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Ireland is a popular destination for Indian students pursuing higher education, with around 10,000 Indian students enrolled in Irish educational institutions.

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