Written Answers. - Yugoslav Refugees.
Rory O'Hanlon
Question:
23
Dr. O'Hanlon
asked the
Tánaiste
and Minister for Foreign Affairs the total number of citizens from the former Yugoslavia in Ireland as refugees; and the measures, if any, taken to integrate them into the community.
[14851/95]
Since 1992, the Government has responded to a number of requests from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees to admit refugees from the former Yugoslavia to Ireland. There are now 446 refugees from the former Yugoslavia settled here.
On 29 August 1995 the Government agreed, in response to an urgent appeal from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, to admit another 250 refugees from the former Yugoslavia together with their close relatives. These are expected to arrive in a number of groups over the next six to nine months and will bring the total number of former Yugoslav refugees here to about 700.
Refugees admitted as a result of Government decisions are eligible for State services, including social welfare, health, and education services, on the same basis as Irish citizens. In recognition of the fact that refugees can initially have particular problems in accessing these services, the Refugee Agency, a non-statutory body under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs, is responsible for liaising between refugees and Government Departments, local authorities, and other bodies to facilitate the provision of services to which refugees are entitled.
As well as looking after the reception of refugees and facilitating their access to State services, the Refugee Agency supports their integration into Irish society in a variety of ways. Special English language classes are provided free of charge in conjunction with the Department of Education and vocational education committees. Refugees are helped to obtain suitable accommodation and the agency helps refugees to obtain appropriate training with a view to improving their prospects on the employment market.
The agency also attempts to develop community contact and support for refugees in local communities, and encourages and supports the development of social and cultural associations among the refugee communities.
The policy of the Government is to encourage refugees to become progressively more independent and integrated within the general community.
