Written Answers. - Programme Refugee Numbers.
Ivor Callely
Question:
67
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
the total number of programme refugees invited here over the past five years; his views on success of the programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[22185/00]
The number of programme refugees admitted into Ireland over the past five years are as follows.
Since 1 January 1996, 252 persons from Vietnam were admitted under the family reunification programme. Some 209 of those were admitted between April 1999 and March 2000 which marked the end of the family reunification programme for the Vietnamese community.
Since 1979, a total of 803 Vietnamese persons were admitted into Ireland, there were 200 births, 32 deaths and 147 persons left Ireland for another country. We understand that the total Vietnamese community currently stands at 823 persons.
Since 1 January 1996, 798 Bosnian refugees were admitted under the Government programme, 623 of whom arrived under the family reunification scheme. Of the 798 admitted, 329 were admitted between April 1999 and March 2000.
Since September 1992, a total of 1,341 Bosnian refugees were admitted. There were 72 births, 14 deaths and 199 people either repatriated or departed to a third country, leaving approximately 1200 Bosnian refugees currently in Ireland.
During May and June 1999, 1,031 Kosovar refugees were admitted. There were 33 births, two deaths and 31 persons were admitted under the family reunification programme. Since then, 956 persons repatriated leaving a balance of 137 Kosovar refugees remaining in Ireland.
Some 12 persons have been admitted under the UNHCR resettlement quota.
The resettlement of programme refugees has been a success as the majority would appear to be integrating well. No doubt problems will arise from time to time but, I am hopeful that programme refugees will be able to rebuild their lives and play a meaningful role in Irish society.
All programme refugees are met at the airport by a member of the Refugee Agency resettlement team and are given advice on their rights, entitlements and responsibilities. Relatives of persons admitted under the family reunification programmes are encouraged to assist their newly arrived relatives as far as possible. Where this assistance is not available a member of the Refugee Agency resettlement team assists the newly arrived person to make applications to the appropriate authorities e.g. social welfare. Each family is then monitored to ensure there are no early difficulties. A member of the resettlement team is available to families to deal with any problems which may arise.
As adult refugees become more proficient in the English language, they are directed towards appropriate training from state agencies such as FÁS or CERT or others go directly into employment. Many families require little support following the initial six months after arrival. Other more vulnerable families may require extra support and this is provided by the Refugee Agency resettlement team as appropriate.
The objective of the programme has been to encourage independence and to empower the refugees to act on their own behalf and in the main, this has been successfully achieved.
