Increase in racist and homophobic violence in Europe (debate)
Bairbre de Brún (GUE/NGL). – (The Speaker spoke Irish)
My constituency in the north of Ireland has seen a number of violent attacks on communities from other Member States and from further afield, as well as a consistent level of homophobic violence. We also experience ongoing sectarian attacks, such as the recent murder of a 15-year old Catholic boy, Michael McIlveen.
It is absolutely vital that the Council now adopt the 2001 Framework Decision on Combating Racism and Xenophobia. I would echo calls for the Finnish Presidency to restart work on this with all urgency and, as we have heard today, for the Council to adopt the decisions without watering them down. National governments and other institutions must respond adequately.