Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 February 2024
285. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his various proposals for integration; the most successful models; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9915/24]
View answerThe Programme for Government committed to developing a successor to the Migrant Integration Strategy, which concluded in 2021. Currently work is underway to develop a new national strategy that will build on the momentum of its predecessor. The new strategy will address ongoing and emerging needs in supporting and promoting migrant integration in Ireland. A public consultation to inform the strategy concluded in November 2023. The purpose of the consultation was to gain insight into the migrant experience in Ireland, and to better understand the needs, challenges and opportunities for promoting integration in the future. My Department will consider all options for supporting integration as part of the development of the new strategy.
A number of initiatives are currently in place to support integration, including a new local integration model and integration funding streams.
In collaboration with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), the City and County Management Authority (CCMA) and the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), a new local integration model was developed. This model contains a new national network of Local Authority Integration Teams (LAITs), which will be located in each local authority and funded by DCEDIY. The aim is to better support International Protection applicants, Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, and Programme Refugees to engage with the existing local services.
My Department also administers a number of funding streams addressing integration. For example, in the last two years, €2.8m has been made available through the International Protection Integration Fund to community-based organisations to carry out integration projects at a national, provincial or local level. A further €1.5m will be provided in 2024.
The National Integration Fund (NIF) supports 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. 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.
Under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) 2021-2027, Ireland will build on the work done in the previous AMIF 2014-2020, and improve its effectiveness where possible. The programme will also support elements of State-run programmes, both at national and local level, which provide integration measures tailored to the needs of third-country nationals. A Call for Proposals from organisations planning projects to support the reception and integration of Third Country Nationals in Ireland took place in late 2023, and results are expected to be announced in March.
