Seanad debates

Monday, 7 December 2015

International Protection Bill 2015: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages

 

1:00 pm

Photo of Labhrás Ó MurchúLabhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I imagine that one of the surest ways of improving integration is work. People would then be in touch with the community on a day-to-day basis and, in a work situation they would become aware of many other issues and would feel part of their adopted communities. It is vital that the issue be at the top of the priority list. I take the points made by others as well.

The whole question of self-esteem is significant and the early months are particularly important in that regard. If one is left in limbo, there is a feeling one is not wanted. That is not what we are trying to achieve here. I would support the other comments asking that the Minister of State, who is a compassionate Minister, would try to rethink this aspect. It has been there for so long and if we sideline it again it is going to create further problems.

Integration is the key concern for all of us. Knowing the history of our own emigrants in other countries, we have always seen that they tended to integrate and the opportunities were there for them. So many of the Irish were exceptionally successful in the countries they adopted. We have a lot to learn from our own history in that regard. Now we have the opportunity to invest confidence in the new immigrants who are coming into this country.

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