Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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1014. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if structured planning in relation to immigration will be improved, including investment in infrastructure to support integration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3603/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Work is underway to develop a new national strategy for migrant integration, which will address ongoing and emerging needs in supporting integration in Ireland. To inform this work, my Department conducted public and targeted consultations to gain insights into the migrant experience in Ireland and better understand the challenges, needs and opportunities for supporting integration in the future.

Local Authority Integration Teams (LAITs) have been developed as a central part of a new Local Integration Model in collaboration with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), the County and City Management Association (CCMA) and the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA). LAITs have been established in each of the Local Authorities. These teams provide on-going support to international protection (IP) applicants, programme refugees, and Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) to better enable them to engage with existing services and ultimately to live independently in the community. The role also includes providing information, advice, and guidance to individuals and identifying gaps in supports or services.

In 2023 and 2024, several funding programmes were made available in order to support integration in Ireland, including the National Integration Fund (NIF), Communities Integration Fund (CIF) and International Protection Integration Fund (IPIF). These projects have supported integration into the community; language, educational, and employment supports; and access to services.

In 2023, €50 million was approved through the Community Recognition Fund for 900 projects, including infrastructure projects, providing support to cities, towns and villages across Ireland. A further €50 million was made available under this fund in 2024.

Notwithstanding my department’s work in this area, I would note that this challenge is one that is being addressed right across Government so that we ensure communities welcoming new arrivals to the State are properly supported.