Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 December 2008
162 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will establish the commission on integration; the proposed members of the commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45407/08]
View answer163 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will establish the ministerial council on integration; if he has identified the members of the council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45408/08]
View answer164 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the strategic monitoring committee on the implementation of the national action plan against racism will have a role in the commission on integration or the proposed ministerial council on integration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45409/08]
View answer165 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has established the task force on integration; the proposed members of the task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45410/08]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 162 to 165, inclusive, together.
I do not now propose to establish a commission or a task force but I intend to establish a Ministerial Council on Integration as soon as possible. This will (i) advise me on issues facing immigrants, (ii) examine and report on the issues and challenges arising from integration, and (iii) review on a regular basis progress in the field. I shall place the names of those appointed in the Oireachtas Library when the Council has been established. The Strategic Monitoring Group of the National Action Plan Against Racism 2005-2008 (NPAR) will not, as such, have a role in the Ministerial Council as NPAR is now coming to an end. However the work of NPAR is to be commended and its work programme will be absorbed into the work of my Office.
