Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. Fianna Fáil welcomes publication of the new migrant integration strategy. Strong and effective policies are required to ensure that new Irish communities integrate successfully into society here. It is also essential that we learn from the experience of other societies so that we can anticipate any problems stemming from migration to Ireland. The new migrant integration strategy was published in February this year and it foresees actions applicable to all Departments and those intended to address particular issues. One of the biggest issues is information to migrants and language. It must be provided in an appropriate format and there must be ongoing intercultural awareness training for all front-line staff.

Language barriers relating to schools and health services, including GP services, also need to be addressed. The Government must ensure that there is provision of information on local authority housing, welfare benefits and so on. These issues have to be addressed. There must also be initiatives to address migrants' needs in terms of skills and labour markets and to encourage the business sector to play a role in promoting integration. A working group must be established to examine data gaps in respect of migrant needs and experience and a migrant integration strategy development to respond to the challenges of promoting integration in the context of such increased diversity.

There have been many good news stories in this area, including in Ballaghaderreen which welcomed over 80 Syrian refugees in February. On arrival, these refugees were presented with welcome packs comprising nappies and toiletries provided by local pharmacies, buggies, etc., donated by mothers and books donated by bookshops, including some in Arabic. A number of weeks ago, there was a fabulous article in The Irish Timesabout members of the local community having invited the Syrian refugees to engage with them in a game of soccer. According to one of the participants, "It was great craic. Language is a barrier ...". We need to address the language barrier issue. It is heart-warming to hear such stories. These people have been through so much and we can only imagine that their needs are complex. Strong and effective policies are required to ensure that the new Irish communities integrate successfully into Irish society. It is essential too that we learn from the experience of other societies so that we can anticipate any problems stemming from migration into Ireland.

Over 80 Syrian migrants are due to arrive in Carlow over the next few months, in respect of which a protocol is being worked on. Is there EU funding available to subsidise migrant needs in terms of housing provision and to address the issues for children in particular, including the language barrier issue? All of this work requires everybody working together. I will be working with my local authority to address these issues. A few years ago a community of Rohingya came to Carlow. It was a marvellous successful story. St. Catherine's community services played a huge role in that regard. As I said, this requires that all relevant bodies and communities work together in their efforts. However, funding is crucial.

I welcome this initiative. Fianna Fáil will work with the Minister of State to implement it.