Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 February 2021
144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the initiatives he has taken or proposes to take to encourage integration and address issues likely to impede progress in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6257/21]
View answer153. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which he and his Department have examined issues of integration in the course of the past twelve months with particular reference to identifying issues of performance success or weakness; if specific targets have been set for achievement; the success to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6268/21]
View answer154. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if specific issues to highlight the need for better integration in society have been brought to his attention; the actions taken or pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6269/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 144, 153 and 154 together.
The Government remains committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive society in Ireland, with its suite of equality strategies under my Department’s remit acting as the main vehicle for change.
Since 2017, the Migrant Integration Strategy (MIS) has been the central policy framework adopted by Government to promote the integration of all migrants who are legally in the State. It contains 76 targeted actions aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion across all aspects of Irish society, including increased focus on social inclusion measures and improved access to public services. It also aims to addresses racism and xenophobia, representing a whole-of-Government approach.
The implementation of this Strategy is overseen by a Steering Committee comprised of Government Departments and Agencies, local authorities, local communities, the business sector, sporting and arts organisations and NGOs, which examine and report on issues concerning integration.
The MIS was initially due to end in 2020. However, with actions adversely impacted by the onset of Covid-19, the decision has been made to extend the strategy to the end of December 2021. This extension will enable the actions of the Strategy to continue to be implemented while facilitating the preparations for a new strategic policy approach to migrant integration.
Building on the work of the MIS Mid-Term Progress Report, published in June 2019, an evaluation of the strategy will be conducted before the Strategy’s conclusion. Issues concerning people of African descent in Ireland and the wider black, Asian and minority ethnic communities in Ireland will be examined as part of this work to inform the development of a robust successor strategy to the MIS.
Arising from the recommendations of the mid-term progress report of the Migrant Integration Strategy, an Anti-Racism Committee has been established to help in the fight against racial discrimination in Ireland. The Anti-Racism Committee has a mandate to develop an understanding of the nature and prevalence of racism in Ireland, and to work towards achieving a social consensus on actions required, by State and non-State. Its work will culminate in a draft national action plan against racism for the consideration of Government.
My Department is also working with the International Decade for People of African Descent Steering Committee in Ireland to develop a programme of activities to celebrate the United Nation’s International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD). This programme will promote the diverse heritage, culture and contribution of people of African descent to Irish communities.
In order to support integration on a national level, my Department administers a National Integration Fund, a three-year funding programme to promote initiatives to address areas where migrants find it difficult to avail of opportunities on an equal basis with other members of Irish society. Following a competitive funding call launched in August 2020, 18 successful projects located throughout Ireland were granted funding totalling almost €2.2 million over the three year period. This funding will support national organisations and larger-scale initiatives to empower new members of Irish society to play an active part in their communities.
In addition, the Communities Integration Fund, which has been in place since 2017, provides small grants (€1,000 - €5,000) to community organisations for initiatives to promote integration at local level. In 2020 my Department administered funding of €500,000 to support these initiatives and 113 projects were successful in their applications.
My Department is also engaging in integration policy development at an international level through representation on various committees in the EU, Council of Europe and the UN.
