Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 July 2022
150. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide details of any proposed integration funding which may be made available to local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36743/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware I published A White Paper to end Direct Provision and to Establish a new International Protection Support Service on 26 February 2021. This paper sets out a new approach for accommodating applicants that seek International Protection in Ireland including supporting the principle of ‘integration from day one’.
Since I published the White Paper, my department has been working with the Local Authorities to design the integration supports that will be required at a local level under the new model. This includes the expansion of the current model of interagency working groups and resettlement and intercultural workers that is in place for the Irish Refugee Protection Programme and establish a permanent integration system that will provide support both to Refugees and to applicants for International Protection.
It has been agreed with the Local Authorities that my Department will begin this year to fund the establishment of a permanent network of Integration Support Workers within local authorities. The role of the worker will be to link Refugees and International Protection applicants with mainstream services including health, education employment, monitor well-being, address issues arising and make provision for additional supports where required. They will be key to supporting the principle of ‘integration from day one’.
