Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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639. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding policies to do with integration and multiculturalism; if there is a framework for dialogue with leaders of new communities in Ireland so that issues of concern can be discussed (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33905/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government contains a commitment to promote policies which integrate minority ethnic groups in Ireland, and which promote social inclusion, equality, diversity and the participation of immigrants in the economic, social, political and cultural life of their communities. A significant level of activity is taking place in pursuit of this commitment.

The Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration, an Office operating under the ambit of my Department, has a cross-Departmental mandate to develop, lead and co-ordinate migrant integration policy across other Government Departments, agencies and services. The Office is currently engaged in a review of our approach to the integration of migrants with a view to the preparation of a new updated overall integration strategy in keeping with the Government’s commitment to the integration of migrants. A Cross Departmental Group on Integration was reconstituted in March to this end with a mandate to review the activities being undertaken by Government Departments and agencies directed to promoting the integration of migrants, preparing a Draft Integration Strategy taking account of the policies and actions already being implemented, and undertaking consultation with key stakeholders. A public consultation process was subsequently launched on 28 March 2014 as part of the review. Over eighty submissions were received from stakeholders, a large number of whom have now met with the Cross-Departmental Group on Integration. The Cross Departmental Group has also held a number of thematic meetings focussing on key policy areas relevant to the integration of migrants, including education, access to public services and social inclusion, and the promotion of intercultural awareness and combatting racism. Work on the development of the updated integration strategy, which will include further thematic meetings and engagement with stakeholders, is ongoing. In addition, the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration has established an NGO Forum where it meets key NGOs working in the integration area a couple of times a year.

More generally It should be noted that the activities of a number of key Departments and agencies in the field of integration are already being taken forward on the basis of specific strategies to ensure that their services respond to Ireland’s changed demographic in an interculturally sensitive and inclusive manner. The strategies developed include: an Intercultural Health Strategy; an Intercultural Education Strategy; a Cultural and Arts Policy and Strategy; the Garda Síochána Diversity Strategy; and an Action Strategy for Integrated Workplaces. In addition, many local authorities too have developed action plans, often with the assistance of funding provided by the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration.

The phenomenon of individuals travelling from all over Europe to the fighting in the Middle East has been an issue of concern to the majority of European States, including Ireland, and others internationally.

There is obvious serious concern over the radicalisation and security risks some individuals may pose on returning to their home countries.

From an Irish perspective the Gardaí continue to monitor the situation and, in line with best international practice, to promote engagement with communities to counter the threat of radicalisation.

The Garda Síochána also maintains a close working relationship with their counterparts in the EU and other countries in respect of ongoing, international efforts to counter terrorism generally.