Entries invited for Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards 2005

RTÉ broadcaster Marian Finucane has launched the call for entries for the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (MAMA) 2005 in Dublin.
This is the fourth year of the Awards, which recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions of individuals and groups to creating cross-cultural understanding and co-operation in Ireland; and which promote cultural diversity in Ireland.
Awards will be presented in two categories: Multicultural and Media. There will also be two special awards: The Judges’ Award and the Trinity College Dublin Bursary.
Speaking at the event Niall Crowley, CEO, The Equality Authority and Chair of the judging panel said: "Irish society continues to struggle with the challenge to change and adapt to its new culturally diverse composition. We know we have a problem - one indicator of this is the Equality Authority case files, where currently 44.3 per cent of case files under the Employment Equality Acts relate to the race ground and 33.3 per cent of case files under the Equal Status Acts relate to the Traveller ground.
"The MAMA Awards tell us we also have part of the solution readily available in the work of local individuals and organisations and of media personnel. They highlight the courage, creativity and commitment that is available to support change for a new inclusion of Black and minority ethnic people. This is change that holds promise for all groups in society and the MAMA Awards usefully celebrate this".
This years aim is to bring the Awards Ceremony in May to Cork, the host of the European Capital of Culture 2005.
The closing date for receipt of entries is February 28 2005, and a shortlist in each category will be announced in early April 2005.
www.metroeireann.com/awards.
(GB)