Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 September 2018
103. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the integration services provided within direct provision services; the cost of these services in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39250/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding for integration services provided within accommodation centres contracted as part of the direct provision system is not recorded as a separate item.
However, under the European Union’s Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) 2014-2020, the EU Funds Unit of the Department of Justice and Equality is currently funding eight projects under the Asylum Specific Objective, with the total AMIF grant allocations amounting to €2.28 million. Most of the projects were formally approved (following an Open Call for Proposals) in April/May 2017 and will be delivered over three years, ending in 2020.
The objectives of the eight projects relate to supporting the needs of persons in the international protection process through a range of means, typically around information, advice, advocacy and service referral. Again, in the main, these supports are provided at a local level and are not made within accommodation services or directly to centres.
The projects are:
|
Project |
Grant Amount |
Location |
|
KASI |
€180,000.00 |
Kerry |
|
South West Mayo Development Company |
€265,814.00 |
Mayo |
|
Laois Partnership Company |
€150,000.00 |
Laois |
|
Galway City Partnership |
€201,000.00 |
Galway |
|
Spirasi |
€750,000.00 |
Nationwide |
|
Dorus Lumní |
€234,245.00 |
Limerick / Mid-west |
|
NASC - the Irish Immigrant Support Centre |
€200,000.00 |
Cork |
|
Irish Refugee Council Ireland |
€300,000.00 |
Nationwide |
Since the publication of the McMahon Report (Working Group on Improvements to the Protection Process, including Direct Provision and Supports to Asylum Seekers), integration efforts have also been focused on the voluntary work of the Friends of the Centre groups, as recommended in the report.
Friends of the Centre groups are made up of residents, centre managers, local people and representatives from non-governmental groups. The emphasis of Friends groups is on fostering active engagement between centre residents and the local community as one of the simplest and most meaningful form of integration. As the Report stated "Work to develop community linkages should focus on developing reciprocal linkages with residents participating in activities in the local community and vice versa. The centre management should consider making facilities in the centre, e.g., meeting rooms and grounds, available for meetings and other activities to create and strengthen two-way links between residents and the local community." These groups aim to encourage and facilitate the active participation of asylum seekers in local community life and the activities developed by this network promote a self-help approach.
During 2017 and 2018, in particular, many events have been organised through the Friends of the Centre groups. Open Days were held in all family centres, helping to break down barriers, both real and perceived, between the centres and the local community.
