Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

224. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which efforts continue in relation to integration, with particular reference to the need to ensure maximum efforts throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6360/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Migrant Integration Strategy was launched in 2017 and concluded at the end of 2021, having been extended for a year due to the impact of COVID-19. The Strategy forms the central policy framework adopted by the Government to promote the integration of all migrants and their Irish-born children across ten areas of public policy. The Strategy aims to enhance diversity, inclusion and equity for migrants across all aspects of Irish society. Additionally, the Strategy focuses on social inclusion measures, improved access to public services and aims to address racism and xenophobia and support integration and social cohesion at a local level.

A range of funding programmes have been initiated under the MIS to support integration projects nationwide. One such programme is the Communities Integration Fund. In June 2022, 124 community projects throughout the country received funding through the Fund. The National Integration Fund, a three-year funding programme to promote initiatives that address areas where migrants find it difficult to avail of opportunities on an equal basis with other members of Irish society. 18 successful projects located throughout Ireland will be granted funding totalling almost €2.2 million over the three-year period.

The Programme for Government has committed to developing a successor to the Migrant Integration Strategy and planning is currently underway. My Department has commissioned a study to evaluate the implementation processes for the Migrant Integration Strategy alongside the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy and the National Strategy for Women and Girls. Consultation for the new Migrant Integration Strategy will begin shortly and the new Strategy is expected to be published in 2024.