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	More than one third of foreign staff working in care homes have experienced racism or discrimination, according to a new report by Age Action.</p>
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	The research involved a survey of 71 staff members working in 13 care homes across north Co Dublin, and also canvassed the views of residents and managers. It found 27 workers born outside Ireland had experienced discrimination or racially motivated abuse, while a further 38 had witnessed a colleague treated in a similar manner.</p>
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	According to the report, in many cases no report was made to management, while in some cases where management was informed, the staff member was unhappy with the outcome.</p>
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	Age Action head of advocacy and communications Justin Moran said the survey highlighted the need for a robust and easily understood equality policy in every care home.</p>
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	He also said that staff, when undergoing their personal development training, should be able to undertake a cultural-awareness element so they feel more comfortable with residents, and that special one-off events, like food or music- related activities highlighting foreign cultures, could also benefit residents.</p>
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	&ldquo;When we did exercises and intercultural training with them the responses from the staff and residents was very, very positive. Practical things can be done to make a difference,&rdquo; said Mr Moran.</p>
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	Nobody involved in the study who had been the subject of racial abuse made a complaint to garda&iacute;, and in some cases staff were told the person making an abusive comment had dementia.</p>
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	Justin Moran said many residents were very grateful for the efforts made by staff, both Irish and foreign, but that it was in everyone&rsquo;s interests if any issues over racism or discrimination were dealt with promptly.</p>
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	<a href="http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/foreign-staff-in-care-homes-face-racism-358331.html">http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/foreign-staff-in-care-homes-face-racism-358331.html</a></p>
