Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Mar 2000

Vol. 515 No. 6

Written Answers. - Asylum Applications.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

29 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a request for a meeting from trade unions representing community welfare officers to express concern at the impact of his Department's policy on the dispersal of applicants for asylum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6835/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I am not aware of any request that I meet with trade unions representing community welfare officers.

The Services, Industrial, Professional and Technical Union wrote to my colleague, the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs, on 11 February 2000 to raise certain issues arising from the dispersal of asylum seekers around the country. The letter was copied to me and other Ministers. The main issue raised concerns the payment of allowances to such persons under the supplementary welfare allowances scheme. The latter scheme is administered by the health boards on behalf of the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs and that Department sent a reply to SIPTU on 24 February.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

30 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals, if any, he has to implement the recommendations of the interdepartmental working group on the integration of those who have been granted refugee status or permission to remain in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6834/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The report of the interdepartmental working group on the integration of refugees in Ireland was launched on 10 February 2000.

I wholeheartedly welcome and accept the findings in the report. The Government recognises the importance of creating an environment which is positive towards the welcoming of refugees and consequently has approved the report. It agrees with the recommendations and has approved my proposal that these should form the framework for Government policy on integration.

It is my intention that the recommendations, including the key recommendations with regard to an organisational structure for co-ordinating and implementing integration policy and making mainstream services more accessible, will be implemented without delay. I will bring proposals in relation to structures to Government shortly.

Another of the key recommendations in the report is that the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism should have a central role in co-ordinating public awareness initiatives and in disseminating information on anti-racism issues and respect for cultural diversity. The Government has agreed that the NCCRI will undertake an evaluation of how public opinion can be better informed with a view to promoting a tolerant, inclusive society. This evaluation will be completed in a short timeframe and I intend to bring proposals for comprehensive public awareness initiatives to Government before the summer.

The interdepartmental committee also recommended the conduct of research to obtain information on the specific needs of refugees. In this regard, I will commission a research project with a view to the development of a comprehensive strategy for integration. This strategy will identify in further detail the scope to maximise existing resources in both the State and voluntary sector to facilitate integration.

My aim and that of the Government is to ensure that all appropriate assistance is given to facilitate the integration into Irish society of persons granted refugee status or given leave to remain in the State on humanitarian grounds.