Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

233. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the integration strategy for refugees and asylum seekers who arrive here; if he will provide a copy of the strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41534/17]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Migrant Integration Strategy, which was published on 7 February 2017, offers a blueprint for the Government's action to promote the integration of all migrants legally in the State, including refugees, for the period to 2020.  It sees integration as a two-way process involving action by migrants and non-migrants alike.  The Strategy comprises 76 specific actions under a number of themes to be implemented by Government Departments and Agencies, the business sector, employers, local authorities and community and voluntary sector organisations.  Among other actions, the Strategy requires Government Departments and agencies to address integration in strategy statements; to ensure appropriate, regular engagement with NGOs representing migrant groups; and to provide intercultural awareness training.

It includes targeted initiatives to promote migrant entrepreneurship, to encourage migrants into the Civil Service and onto State boards and to improve English language provision in education and training.  It is accompanied by a Communities Integration Fund, which I launched earlier this year, which has provided funding for 131 initiatives by community organisations aimed at promoting migrant integration and facilitating social inclusion at the local level.

The strategy is available on the website of the Office for Promotion for Migrant Integration at .

With regard to refugees and asylum seekers arriving under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme, a specific programme of supports is put in place to assist their integration into Irish society.  A personal needs assessment is undertaken by IRPP officials prior to the person's arrival in the State.  Language training and other orientation supports are provided in Emergency Reception and Orientation Centres to facilitate the person's integration.  Funding is also provided to local authorities to recruit resettlement support workers and intercultural workers to support the integration process for these refugees for 12-18 months following their resettlement or relocation into the local community.  This funding comes through grants supported by the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund.