Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 June 2016
97. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the supports she is providing to Syrian refugees resettling here, including access to individualised, regular and adequate language support; the introduction to norms and practices of public services such as health and education, and access to finance so they may purchase household items. [14358/16]
View answer112. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will examine a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding support given to refugees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14651/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 112 together.
The Irish refugee resettlement programme has been in operation since 2000. 1,400 vulnerable persons from 27 different countries, including Iraq and Syria, have been resettled under this programme in Ireland to date. Refugees have been resettled in 29 different communities throughout Ireland and in all four Dublin local authorities.
The key elements of the programme are:
- The programme is overseen at national level by an Inter Departmental Working Group chaired by the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration (OPMI) in the Department of Justice and Equality and at the local level by an inter-agency working group established in each receiving community and chaired by the Local Authority.
- The OPMI resettlement team meets the refugees on arrival in the airport and accompanies them to a Resettlement Reception Centre where they are accommodated for 8 to 10 weeks.
- An 8-10 week language training and orientation programme is provided by the Education and Training Board in cooperation with OPMI.
- Crèche facilities are also provided to allow the adults to attend the programme.
- Education provision is also made for school age children by the Department of Education and Skills.
- GP services are provided and refugees are assisted to apply for medical cards.
- Programme refugees have, in general, the same rights and entitlements as an Irish citizen. OPMI works in consultation with all relevant agencies at the national and local level to ensure that refugees can access services to which they are entitled and that the necessary services are put in place as quickly as possible.
- Accommodation is provided for each family. Cutlery, dishes, pots and pans, beds, cots (where appropriate) and bedding are provided for each family in their new homes.
- Families are entitled to the same social welfare payments as Irish citizens when they move into the community.
- Language training is provided in the receiving community by the Education and Training Board for a period of 12 months post arrival.
- The OPMI resettlement team supports the local interagency working group for approx 18 months after the transfer of the refugees to the receiving community. Grants are made by the OPMI to the receiving community to employ a resettlement support worker for a period of up to one year to support the integration of the refugees into their local communities.
