Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 68: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has agreed a definition of integration and integration policy with the Minister of State responsible for integration; the input this Minister of State has into the development of immigration policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34546/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform I have overall responsibility for immigration policy. Broadly, that means setting policy, in relation to foreign nationals, for entry to the State, residence within it, removal if necessary and citizenship together with all aspects of Ireland's protection regime. This responsibility is given effect to by, inter alia, bringing forward legislation, establishing administrative schemes and in the ongoing decision making within the immigration system. Policy making in the immigration area is informed by the views of other Ministers and their Departments where immigration interacts with matters falling within their policy remit.

The Deputy will be aware of the establishment earlier this year of a separate office for integration under the Minister of State, Mr. Conor Lenihan, T.D. In addition to reflecting the importance placed by this Government on integration matters, the location of the office in the Department of Education and Science, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, and my own Department was also a significant step in bringing together these closely-related policy areas. In this context, the Minister of State continues to have a specific role in representing the integration aspects of immigration policy. Indeed, he has a cross-Departmental mandate to drive and co-ordinate integration policy across all Government Departments and will, I understand, shortly be chairing a cross-Departmental group in this regard.

As regards definitions of integration and integration policy, our own approach in this area is confirmed by international experience which, rather than seek agreement on precise definitions, seeks to put the emphasis on the principles needed to underpin progress on integration objectives. The Deputy may also wish to know that such principles were discussed at a recent major consultation workshop with a wide range of stakeholders and its findings will inform ongoing policy development in this area.

There are many definitions of integration available on the international scene. One that certainly influences Irish policy makers is the EU definition contained in its eleven Common Basic Principles for Immigrant Integration Policy which are as follows: Integration is a dynamic, two-way process of mutual accommodation by all immigrants and residents of Member States; Integration implies respect for the basic values of the European Union; Employment is a key part of the integration process and is central to the participation of immigrants, to the contributions immigrants make to the host society, and to making such contributions visible; Basic knowledge of the host society's language, history, and institutions is indispensable to integration; enabling immigrants to acquire this basic knowledge is essential to successful integration; Efforts in education are critical to preparing immigrants, and particularly their descendants, to be more successful and more active participants in society; Access for immigrants to institutions, as well as to public and private goods and services, on a basis equal to national citizens and in a non-discriminatory way is a critical foundation for better integration; Frequent interaction between immigrants and Member State citizens is a fundamental mechanism for integration. Shared forums, intercultural dialogue, education about immigrants and immigrant cultures, and stimulating living conditions in urban environments enhance the interactions between immigrants and Member State citizens; The practice of diverse cultures and religions is guaranteed under the Charter of Fundamental Rights and must be safeguarded, unless practices conflict with other inviolable European rights or with national law; The participation of immigrants in the democratic process and in the formulation of integration policies and measures, especially at the local level, supports their integration; Mainstreaming integration policies and measures in all relevant policy portfolios and levels of government and public services is an important consideration in public-policy formation and implementation; Developing clear goals, indicators and evaluation mechanisms are necessary to adjust policy, evaluate progress on integration and to make the exchange of information more effective.