Irish president condemns attacks on Indians

Irish President Michael D Higgins has strongly condemned the recent attacks on members of the Indian community in Ireland, calling them “despicable” and contrary to the country’s values. In a statement, Higgins expressed a “deep sense of gratitude” for the “immense contribution” of the Indian community to Irish life, highlighting their role in medicine, nursing, the caring professions, culture, business, and enterprise. “Their presence, their work, their culture, have been a source of enrichment and generosity to our shared life,” he said. "Whether such provocation stems from ignorance or from malice, it is essential to acknowledge the harm that it is causing. Such acts diminish all of us and obscure the immeasurable benefits the people of India have brought to the life of this country," he added further.

President Higgins' statement comes after a series of attacks targeting Indians in Ireland made the headlines. The latest attack was against a six-year-old Indian girl who was assaulted and hit in the private parts by a group of children. Ahead of the President's statement, Ireland's deputy prime minister Simon Harris on Monday took to X to thank the "positive contribution" of the Indian community in the nation.

Migrant advocacy groups say the assaults point to systemic failings. Teresa Buczkowska, CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, told Dublin Live that the Indian community “appears to be a particular focus” but the issue is wider. She criticised “outdated mechanisms within An Garda Sochna” and a lack of police training, which make it harder for victims to report hate crimes. Over the past month, there has been an uptick in racist attacks against Indians in Ireland. The rise in attacks and targeting of Indian nationals also prompted the Indian embassy in Dublin to issue an advisory and emergency helpline numbers for its citizens.