Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 May 2021
360. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current services, schemes and initiatives made available to resettled refugees in order for them to be able to further their education and training and integrate into the labour market and the fabric of society (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25484/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to confirm to the Deputy that refugees welcomed to Ireland under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme based in my Department are offered a range of supports to assist in their integration to Irish society.
On arrival, programme refugees are generally accommodated in one of three centres where various State agencies provide supports including health, education for children and adults, and childcare. Particular emphasis is placed on the acquisition of English language skills, for children and adults alike, to facilitate integration into the community.
Following their stay in accommodation centres, programme refugee families are moved to communities with assistance from local authorities which are supported by funding under the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF). The objective of projects funded by AMIF is to ensure that the refugees can settle into the community, access services appropriately, and build lasting relationships with the local community. Refugees are assisted in the early months after resettlement by a resettlement support worker and an intercultural support worker who assist with access to services that may be necessary for health, education, or other purposes
