Let’s talk about racism

In Ireland over the last decade we have seen what appears to be a marked increase in the level of racism and anti-social behaviour. This is the experience of frontline workers and the results of the statistics that Circle VHA gather as an approved housing body (AHB), writes CEO John Hannigan.

I believe that we, as a society, have been too slow to acknowledge that racism prevails in Ireland and to denounce it, as well as anti-social behaviour. That has to change. For many years we have prided ourselves, as a society, in issuing the “céad míle fáilte” to visitors without really thinking about what it means. We ask, as Irish immigrants all over the world, to be accepted and to be recognised. It is time that we do the same for the people who come here. We must help and support those fleeing war, tyranny and abuse, and those looking for a better life for themselves and their families.

In Ireland we have a country that requires a greater population, something that we are not driving up ourselves. We rely on the doctors, nurses and care assistants coming from all over the world to prop up and support our health care system. We rely on so many people who come to Ireland of many colours, creeds and cultures different to our own, to support our hospitality and services sectors. So why do we still have so much racism and anti-social behaviour in our housing estates and apartment complexes? Why, when we have a blended workforce, do we still have a separation and lack of understanding or acceptance?

We must actively step in to see, acknowledge and respect the different cultures we encounter in the work we do.

There is now a way in which we can all participate in showing that we are not just non-racist, we are anti-racist. The Black Lives Matter movement has enabled understanding and support for all cultures, where racism and anti-social behaviour exists. We must actively step in to see, acknowledge and respect the different cultures we encounter in the work we do. It is not appropriate to be ‘colour blind’ or to ‘not see colour’. We must ensure that we support the enablement of equality across all we do. The Black Lives Matter movement has given me some understanding of the language that I was missing, that my white privilege had shielded me from. I am using it personally to understand more.

In Circle Voluntary Housing Association, more than 36 per cent of our tenants are non-Irish, this means we have to work harder to ensure that we understand their needs. We must deliver services that cater for everyone in an equal way. This is challenging and requires different thinking. Through the process of acknowledging the needs of others, and acceptance of those needs, we grow. We are learning and we are adapting and changing to ensure that all our tenants receive the same level of respect, empowerment and accountability in all we do.

We support 36 per cent of tenants from other countries, 22 per cent of our staff team are foreign nationals with 15 per cent being people of colour. We are aware that we need to achieve a better balance. We are an equal opportunities employer. We acknowledge that we must work at attracting a greater balance to our sector and our organisation — and also at attracting individuals that continue to be open to diversity and equality. How do we get that balance? We encourage everyone that is willing to be open, to learn, to grow, to apply.

Why do we, as a sector, not attract more people of colour? In the last three rounds of recruitment for different posts, we attracted less than 10 per cent of applications from people of colour. Why is there a lack of applicants of colour? It appears to be a significant weakness in our sector and one that we need to address.

Within the sector, the racism and anti-social behaviour that our workers and that are people of colour have been subjected to, is significantly challenging. However, we can effect a positive change through understanding, but it would be naive to think that racism and anti-social behaviour will fade away if we have a more diverse workforce. No hatred or prejudice is acceptable and we as an organisation have a zero tolerance for any racist behaviour from any individual. Racist behaviour is not acceptable. Until we ensure there is action and until we demonstrate to others that such behaviour is not acceptable, and will not be tolerated, it will continue. We need all the authorities we work with, Gardaí, Residential Tenancies Board, local authorities etc to continue the work they have been doing to end the level of racism and anti-social behaviour experienced in Irish society. Our sector, based on its values and its actions, should be a leading light and in this respect, Circle VHA will take a leading role in this work.

None of us want to exclude any person from their home, it goes against the ethos of the work we do and why we do it, but we cannot and will not tolerate abuse, racism or prejudice of any kind towards staff or other tenants. We will not sit back and allow such behaviour to prevail. In living by and working through our values we will ensure that all tenants experience the ‘WE HEAR’ of Circle VHA:

Willingness to do the right thing and go beyond;

Empowerment of our tenants and our staff;

Honesty in all we do;

Excellence as an everyday occurrence;

Accountability in everything we do; and

Respect for all tenants, staff and the public.

If you are interested in working with us or learning more about what we do, contact us and we will work with you to introduce you to the sector and what it does. Please contact Rachel at:

T: 01 407 2110
E: info@circlevha.ie
W: www.circlevha.ie