Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 787: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm if the Ministerial Council for Integration has been established; the membership of the committee and the groups in society which they represent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26644/08]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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The intention to establish a Ministerial Council on Integration was referred to in "Migration Nation a statement on integration strategy and diversity management" which I published on 1 May, 2008.

The Council on Integration, which will advise me on issues faced by migrants will consist of up of 40 members.

The members of the Council will be migrants. In appointing members, account will be taken as far as possible of the need to have a balance between countries of origin, number of migrants from particular countries, places of residence in Ireland and the need to have appropriate gender balance. Members of the Council will be appointed for a period of five years.

I am considering the membership of the Council and I would hope to launch it by September next. I shall place the names of those appointed in the Library when the membership of the Council has been finalised.