Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 449: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the plans she has to appoint a national coordinator to support and facilitate schools in facing the challenges of the increasing diversity of Irish society and the developing and implementation of inter-cultural education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24810/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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In June this year, the Taoiseach appointed a Minister of State with responsibility for the development of Integration policy based in the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs with links to both the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and my Department.

This development will co-ordinate the response of the three Government Departments in relation to the integration of newcomers to Ireland. The appointment of the Minister and the establishment of the Office of the Minister for Integration will help ensure the provision of an efficient and effective delivery of services to assist the integration across a number of inter-related areas to minimise duplication and gaps in provision and to maximise opportunities for collaboration and co-operation.

The Office of the Minister for Integration will be involved in setting up new funding lines to address integration priorities; developing "principles" of integration; bringing Departments together to coordinate integration activities and helping all parties (local communities/local authorities/trade unions/religious groups etc.,) to play their part in building an integrated Irish society. The Minister for Integration also intends to establish a Task Force on Integration in early 2008 to identify key topics affecting immigrant communities; consult widely with immigrants and Irish people; visit communities; examine previous research and report back with recommendations which may include the question of the appointment of a national co-ordinator.