Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2023
626. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the Government will consider a vastly enhanced community funding programme to support communities hosting refugees and people in direct provision services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26376/23]
View answerMy department already administers several funding programmes to support NGOs and communities hosting migrants. These funding programmes include the:
- Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund
- Communities Integration Fund
- International Protection Integration Fund
- National Integration Fund
Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund
Ireland's national programme for the 2021-2027 Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) was adopted by the EU Commission on 19 December 2022. Under Ireland’s national programme, it is intended to provide a range of supports for refugees, asylum seekers and third-country nationals arriving in Ireland, ranging from information and assistance with basic needs through to specialist supports in areas such as medical/psychosocial and legal assistance; to delegate and oversee activities via Direct Awards to specialised bodies; and to fund the management of returns of third country nationals to their country of origin, where appropriate. Implementation of the 2021-2027 AMIF national programme will commence in Q3 2023.
Communities Integration Fund
The purpose of the Communities Integration Fund (CIF) is to support communities across Ireland to play a greater role in promoting the integration of migrants.
Each year, a total of €500,000 is available to local community-based organisations to carry out integration projects in their local areas. Organisations eligible to apply include local community groups, sports clubs, faith-based groups, arts groups, cultural organisations, and schools. Applicant organisations must operate on a not-for-profit basis.
The CIF has been in place since 2017 and arises from Action 51 of the Migrant Integration Strategy, which calls for funding to be made available to local communities throughout Ireland to promote the integration of migrants and refugees. Since its inception, the CIF has supported over 820 projects, with grant funding totalling €3.82 million.
International Protection Integration Fund
The purpose of the International Protection Integration Fund (IPIF) is to support communities across Ireland to play a greater role in promoting the integration of International Protection applicants (IPAs).
Annually a total of €500,000 is made available to community-based organisations to carry out integration projects at a national, provincial or local level. Organisations eligible to apply include local community groups, charities, faith-based groups, and cultural organisations. Applicant organisations must operate on a not-for-profit basis.
The IPIF supports chapter 5.2.2 of the commitments within A White Paper to End Direct Provision and Establish a New International Protection Support Service. In the white paper, the Government committed to developing a community integration fund for International Protection applicants. A total budget of €5 million was established, with an annual allocation of €500,000 to be paid out over the course of the project.
National Integration Fund
The purpose of the National Integration Fund (NIF) is to support communities across Ireland to play a greater role in promoting the integration of migrants at a national or regional level.
Approximately €750,000 is committed per year, subject to the availability of funds in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth vote. This funding can be used for both once-off initiatives and projects rolled out over a maximum of three years. Projects must take an inclusive approach, aiming to bring migrants and host communities together.
The NIF 2023 open call for proposals will be launched in Q4 2023. The minimum annual grant amount that can be applied for will be €25,000, and grants may range up to €200,000 over the lifetime of the project. The NIF arises from Action 6 of the Migrant Integration Strategy, which calls for funding to be made available to promote positive action initiatives to address areas where migrants find it difficult to avail of opportunities on an equal basis with other members of Irish society.
I am currently working to establish other funds to support communities hosting international protection applicants, conscious of the needs that can arise when new centres are being opened.
