DISCRIMINATION Irish feel excluded from rest of society in Britain

An Irish category should be used in all ethnic monitoring systems, the Commission for Racial Equality said yesterday, in response to research suggesting a "powerful sense of hurt and unjustified exclusion from an equal place in British society" among many people of Irish origin.

The researchers analysed statistical data and the experiences of agencies assisting Irish people and conducted interviews with a representative sample of 88 people.

The commission plans to urge institutions across Britain to review their practices to ensure fair treatment under equal opportunities programmes. The research found discrimination in employment, benefits and the criminal justice system but there was a widespread assumption that because the victims were white the discrimination laws would not apply.

Discrimination and the Irish Community, pounds 11.50 from Central Books, 99 Wallis Road, London E9 5LN. Patricia Wynn Davies