No room for antisemitism in Irish society – Tanaiste

There can be no room for antisemitism in Irish society, Ireland’s deputy premier has said.

Tanaiste Simon Harris was speaking after meeting with members of the local Jewish community.

He said he was particularly concerned to hear accounts of intolerance experienced by students and young people.

“The Jewish community are an integral part of Irish society,” he said in a statement.

“I was deeply concerned to hear of the negative experiences and intolerance they have faced in their daily lives.

“I was particularly concerned at the accounts of intolerance experienced by students and young people. This is entirely unacceptable.

“I want to be clear there can be no room for antisemitism in Irish society.”

Mr Harris added: “The Government is committed to upholding the rights, dignity and security of all in our Republic.

“I condemn antisemitism wherever it occurs, online and in the real world. We must do more to counter this scourge.”

He said the meeting on Tuesday was an “important step in listening to the community’s concerns and moving forward with implementation of the commitments relating to countering antisemitism in the Programme for Government”.