SNP MSP for Glasgow, Bob Doris, today (Wednesday) led a Members’ debate in the Scottish Parliament, paying tribute to Scotland’s Irish diaspora.  During the debate, Mr Doris encouraged all Scots of Irish descent to celebrate their cultural heritage by ticking the 'Irish' ethnicity question in this year’s census. This year’s census is the first year such an option has been available.

The Glasgow MSP also called for both the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council to assist in the creation of an Irish Centre, based in Glasgow, which would act as a tourism hub, promote health awareness and develop cultural links amongst Scotland’s Irish community.

Speaking after the debate, the SNP’s Bob Doris said: “It was a great privilege to lead tributes to Glasgow's and Scotland’s Irish communities in the Scottish Parliament this evening.

“The contribution to our culture by the Irish community is immense and it is right to acknowledge the many good community initiatives. The Irish community has a thriving music scene - especially at this month's Celtic Connections - as well as a strong community base, with organisations such as Comhaltas, the Gaelic Athletic Association, An Coimisiun and Conrad Na Gaelige.  It is important to pay tribute to the good work these organisations do.

"I also want to pay tribute to the Irish Government. In tough economic times they continue to fund community development posts in gaelic sports and traditional music in Scotland. These development officers are based in Glasgow and assist various groups such as gaelic sports organisations Tir Connail Harps. Tir Connail Harps do fantastic work with young people, often in deprived areas.

"Scotland is proud to celebrate our racial and cultural diversity and I believe that an Irish Centre, based in the city of Glasgow, would help promote active citizenship amongst the Irish community and be a hub for the wider community. The Centre could promote gaelic sports, traditional Irish music and dance as well as community outreach work such as tackling health inequalities. The Irish community in Glasgow have recently started fund raising to raise cash for an Irish Centre. It is early days and we all know money is tight. However I would be keen to see plans further developed, with assistance being provided by both the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council.

“One of the many challenges facing Scotland’s Irish community is health inequality.  Research has shown that health problems continue to be experienced by the children and grandchildren of Irish descendents.  In addition, my research has shown that one-in-five Irish people carry a gene causing haemochromatosis – a liver disease frequently misdiagnosed.  It was important to raise these issues during the debate and I have also written to the Health Secretary, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, to press the Government further.

"I look forward to continuing to work with the Irish community in the years ahead”.

Danny Boyle, Project Manager of Harps Community Project added: “We are grateful to Bob Doris for his work in representing Glasgow’s Irish community.  It was important to put on record the health inequality our people face and our campaign for Irish descendents to participate in this year’s census.  We are encouraging all Scots, of Irish descent, to register their nationality as Scottish; however, to record their ethnicity as Irish.

“We have the opportunity – for the first time ever – to find out how many people of Irish descent live in Scotland and I am confident that, when the Government see the numbers, more action will be taken to tackle the health inequality and the promote Irish culture within Scotland”.