Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome this scheme and this fund for communities. However, I also believe there is a role for the Department to play given that, not primarily but in many cases, it is rural communities that are welcoming refugees and international protection families and individuals. We just spoke about communities needing to heard and their voices needing to be listened to, but that includes practical supports. There is a role for the Department when it comes to delivering those practical supports. They have to be for the benefit of all members of the community, both those already living in towns and villages where refugees are coming in and for the refugees. From my point of view, there does not appear to be any co-operation across Departments when it comes to supporting these communities at a practical level, particularly when it comes to healthcare. I would make the point that there is a role for the Department to play, with other Departments, to ensure practical supports such as healthcare and additional supports for education in local schools are delivered as well as this fund. This fund is only for communities and clubs, and while it is welcome, it is not enough for communities that are taking in refugees.

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