From the beginning of Minister O’Brien’s engagement with the international protection applicants (IPAs) who are residents of Magowna House and some of the local community of Inch, his priority has been the welfare of the IPAs living in Magowna House. After the intervention of Minister O’Brien last month, the local residents of Inch who had organised a blockade agreed to remove it. Minister O’Brien also met the IPAs living in Magowna House about their situation.
Since then, Minister O’Brien, the Department and various community groups have been working to support the IPAs by improving transport connection with Ennis, helping to process work permit applications, offer English language supports, connect the men with prospective employers and offer other relevant supports and training.
As promised Minister O’Brien returned to Inch four weeks after the initial visit. Minister O’Brien met some of the local residents and put forward a proposal to them which he asked the group to take back to the wider community.
The proposal is aimed at facilitating positive contact between any local residents and residents of Magowna House who might like to get to know each other, in a voluntary capacity, with a view to promoting social interaction and community integration.
