Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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756. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department has been working to update The Migrant Integration Strategy-A Blueprint for the Future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42176/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Since 2017, the ‘Migrant Integration Strategy (MIS) – A Blueprint for the Future’ has been the central policy framework adopted by Government to promote the integration of all migrants who are legally residing in the State. It envisages a whole-of-government approach to enhance diversity, inclusion and equity for migrants across all aspects of Irish society through increased focus on social inclusion measures, improved access to public services and targeted action to address racism and xenophobia. 

The current Strategy was due to come to an end in 2020.  However, in recognition of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the implementation of the Strategy, I made a decision to extend the Strategy to conclude in 2021. I continue to chair the regular meetings of the Strategy steering and monitoring committee.

An independent evaluation of a number of equality strategies due to conclude this year will be commissioned shortly by my Department and this will inform the next steps in terms of future equality strategies. I intend that a consultation process to develop a new strategic policy for migrant integration will begin early in 2022.