Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023
89. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department will launch a zero-tolerance information campaign across all media, particularly social media, to counteract corrosive anti-immigrant and far-right narratives, which are feeding into aggressive or misdirected protests near places where refugees are accommodated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54564/23]
View answerMy Department has a programme of multi-platform and continuous communications and engagement in place to provide media, stakeholders and the public with accurate detailed information, which is regularly reviewed. In addition, my Department established a Community Engagement Team to engage directly with elected representatives, relevant Local Authorities, local development companies, and other organisations and individuals across the country where relevant and appropriate.
The purpose of the team is to improve the flow of information regarding arrivals into areas and to help equip local communities with the accurate information required to help them understand the current situation and to assist with the welcome and integration process for new arrivals. The team has been in place for a number of months now and my Department will continue to review processes and improve systems of communication as we progress with this important work.
