The EUMC published a call for tender for the establishment and operation of the NFPs for RAXEN 5 on 19 December 2003. Consequently NFPs were selected in March 2004.

The NCCRI and The Equality Authority are continuing their partnership as the Irish NFP under the current phase.

Following from RAXEN 4, RAXEN 5 involves the continuation of the 'mapping exercise', as well as updates on all the thematic areas. The latter will be conducted through the compilation of one national report, as opposed to the five separate documents requested under RAXEN 4.

During the current phase a number of new dimensions have been incorporated into RAXEN. These include the creation of country factsheets on the EUMC website, containing key factual and statistical date, and the introduction of an in-depth special study. It is intended that the topic for the special study will be designated in consultation with the Europe Union institutions.

During RAXEN 5 the NFPs will:

• Contribute to the EUMC Annual Report 2003
• Produce a country fact sheet
• Produce a National Annual Report
• Update and maintain the EUMC database
• Conduct a Special Study
• Fulfil the Rapid Response function
• Provide a referee mechanism for EUMC publications