Written answers

Monday, 9 September 2024

Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Asylum Seekers

Photo of Mattie McGrathMattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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1451.To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of times staff from his Department, or any other Government Department, have consulted (as distinct from informed) in-person with community groups regarding the location of IPAS applicants in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[34902/24]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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A Community Engagement Team (CET) was established in late 2023 within the Department of Integration to engage directly with elected representatives, relevant Local Authorities, Local Development Companies, and other entities and individuals.

The purpose of the team is to improve the flow of information regarding arrivals into areas and to help equip local communities with the accurate information required to help them understand the current situation and to assist with the welcome and integration process for new arrivals.

The CET consists of a National Lead on Civic Engagement, two additional team members to support the on-the-ground engagement (part-time basis) and an administrative team.

The CET is activated for openings which need additional support and are agreed with IPAS Team, Ukrainian Team and Ministers offices. The openings which the CET support can also be selected if requested by a public representative or a local community leader and it is deemed appropriate.

As of 27 August, the Community Engagement Team issued 98 detailed briefing notes setting out all the details of an accommodation centre including the capacity, contracted service provision and resident profile.

The briefing documents are issued to local elected representatives to assist them with in their work at community level, the Local Authority, the Local Development Company and relevant interdepartmental colleagues.

Since its establishment, the CET has been requested to actively engage on 51 open or proposed accommodation centres. As part of that work, the CET engaged with community members and or community representative groups on approximately 65 occasions about 27 accommodation centres.

I hope this information is helpful.

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