News

New Asylum System Needed

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

THE STATE spent €69.5 million housing and caring for asylum seekers last year, with the majority of funding used to pay for commercially owned housing.

Killian Forde, CEO of The Integration Centre, said “The only winners in this current system of direct provision are the commercial companies the State pays millions in order to deal with an issue they don’t want to face.”

Asylum Seekers Living in State of Uncertainty

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Direct Provision system leads to mental health issues amongst asylum seekers.

Asylum Seekers living in Direct Provision centres around the country suffer from extremely high levels of mental illness and are not gaining access to the supports required for such a vulnerable group, while government policy does nothing to improve their circumstances.

School Patronage Review: A Step in the Right Direction?

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Advisory Group on School Patronage has published its recommendations for the transfer of patronage from the Catholic Church.

Killian Forde, CEO of The Integration Centre said “Ireland has changed greatly in the recent past. Not only is 12% of the demographic from an immigrant community but the Irish of today are significantly different culturally to the Irish of fifty years ago.

Census Reveals Diversity a Permanent Feature

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The population breakdown figures compiled from the Census 2011 have been released today by the Central Statistics Office and reveal that inward migration is still a notable characteristic of modern Ireland.

The publication entitled This is Ireland show’s that the number of Irish residents who were born outside Ireland continues to increase and stood at 766,770 in 2011 an increase of 25 per cent on 2006.

Local Integration: Dublin an Example for the Country?

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The report Monitoring Integration in Dublin City will be launched in the Woodquay Venue, March 27th, by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Andrew Montague at 11.30am.
Killian Forde, CEO of The Integration Centre said “The report, which is a high resolution snapshot of the status of immigrants in Dublin, will serve as a tool for politicians, services providers and the general public as to what work is being done in the area of integration and also point to gaps in service provision.”

Africa Week Athletics

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Date:
Saturday, 26th May 2012
Venue:
Morton Stadium, Santry, Dublin
As part of Africa Week 2012, the Dublin Multicultural Centre in partnership with Sport Against Racism Ireland (SARI),Cradle, the Integrated Academy for Athletic Performance of the Offaly Sports Partnership, the Integration Centre with the support of Akidwa, Athletics Ireland, Clonliffe Harriers, Communicorp, Fingal Ethnic Network, the Immigrant Council of Ireland, Insaka Ireland, the Kip Keino Foundation, the Mo Farah Foundation, Metro Eireann and Sport Aid from Africa will stage a unique Africa Week Athletics event, oneracehumanrace.

A range of athletic events for juveniles from U-8 to U-16 as well as junior, senior and masters’ events will be held.
Guidelines and details of entry are set out in the document below:

Africa Week Athletics 2012 – Guidelines & Registration Form

Invitation to the launch of 'Monitoring Integration in Dublin'

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Where: Woodquay Venue
When: 27th March 2012, 11.30am-3pm
By whom: Lord Mayor of Dublin Andrew Montague

For further information or to RSVP for the event contact helena.clarke@integrationcentre.ie

Make Ireland Aware – Make a Movie

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Integration Centre, a non-profit organisation working towards social cohesion and the inclusion of people from immigrant backgrounds in Ireland, hosts a film competition to advance the topic of diversity.

Killian Forde, CEO of The Integration Centre said “integration is multifaceted, happens at all levels and is in many ways difficult to conceptualise.”

BARRIERS TO ENTRY FOR MIGRANTS IN BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Recognition of Professional Qualifications

Many highly skilled Immigrants work below their skill-set or are unemployed due to difficulties in having their Professional Qualifications recognised in Ireland, as proven in the AMRI Report 2010.

Killian Forde, CEO of the Integration Centre said, “There is a need for Professional Representative Organisations to work more closely with the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) to develop protocols which accelerate validation.”

CLLR TREANOR'S COMMENTS: INACCURATE, ILL-INFORMED, NONSENCE

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

TIC Response to Cllr Treanors Comments this week.

Monaghan Councillor Seamus Treanor has publicly come out with the statement that foreign nationals will collapse the social welfare system.

Mr Treanor claimed that ‘40% of the welfare budget goes to foreign people’.

Killian Forde, CEO of The Integration Centre responded “January 2012 statistics show that 17.78% of those on the Live Register are immigrants.”

WE UNDERSTAND THE ISSUES: NOW WE NEED TO ACT

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Press Release 1/2/12

The Integration Centre Presents Survey Findings to TDs

The Integration Centre will present the findings of a survey of TDs attitudes to immigrants and integration in Leinster House today (1/2/12).

A release of some of the survey's findings in December grabbed headlines. It was revealed that despite the fact TD’s were aware of racist attitudes, 60% having encountered racism while canvassing, more than a third also felt that speaking up on behalf of migrants would damage their electoral support.

The Integration Centre Welcomes Scrapping of Business Permission Scheme

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Press Release 25/01/12

The Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has announced two new schemes to encourage immigrant investment in Ireland and boost the economy.

The schemes which have been introduced are the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme and the Immigrant Investor Programme.

TD'S AFRAID TO SUPPORT MIGRANT RIGHTS

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Survey Shows TDs Recognise Potential of Immigrants But Fear Constituency Reaction To Any Open Support.

In a Millward Brown Lansdowne survey commissioned by The One Foundation, it was found that just 4% of TDs felt that speaking up for migrants would have a positive effect on their electoral support within their constituency – over one in three (36%) felt speaking up for migrants could have a negative effect.

Strategising Irelands EU Presidency 2013

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Integration as a theme for the Irish Presidency
Plans are in full swing for Ireland’s 7th Presidency of the EU to take place in the first six months of next year.

Killian Forde, CEO of The Integration Centre said ‘The presidency's function is to chair meetings of the Council, determine its agendas, set a work programme and facilitate dialogue both at Council meetings and with other EU institutions. This is an opportunity for Ireland to show that we are a strong nation, not only capable of recovery but leadership.’

Do you want to participate in this year’s ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE?

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Integration Centre is looking for 10 volunteers to participate in the City Fusion Project for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 2012.
The group will work together with professional artists to create collaborative art pieces, costumes and performance routines to exhibit together in the parade. Participants will attend weekly workshops in Dublin City Centre from the end of January 2012 until the parade on March 17th 2012, working together to create a pageant in a fun, creative and exciting atmosphere.

The Integration Centre Welcomes New Social Housing Rules

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Rules on social housing support for non-Irish nationals have been adapted, clarified and modernized to deal with current circumstances in a more fair and equitable manner.
Killian Forde, CEO of The Integration Centre, said "This represents an important change that we have advocated for though the Roadmap to Integration 2011”.

Public Affairs Intern

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Integration Centre is looking for an intern to join the Public Affairs team for a six month contract.

Location: Dublin, City Centre
Starting date of internship: February until August

The intern will be expected to assist the Director of Public Affairs. Expenses of up to 20 euro per day will be paid to the successful applicant for travel and subsistence. The interested applicant should be available to work 3 days per week, 9.30am-5pm.

SERGEANT COMMENDED FOR HIS WORK ON INTEGRATION

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Diverse Ireland Awards 2011 Hosted by The Integration Centre

Sergeant Laffan, of Anglesea Station in Cork, was amongst the winners of an award today (14/12/11) at the Diverse Ireland Awards 2011, held in the Mercantile hotel.

IMMIGRATION POLICY 2012

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Press Release 5/01/12

Response to Statement by Minister for Justice Alan Shatter 4/1/12

2011 saw a number of positive actions put in place by the newly appointed Minister for Justice Alan Shatter. However, it is imperative that this momentum continues to gather in the right direction.

Developing and Monitoring an Integration strategy in Donegal

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Integration Centre, as part of the “One Donegal Cultural Diversity Month”, hosted a seminar to promote the development of an Integration Strategy in Donegal.

CALL FOR GOVERNMENT TO UNITE FAMILIES THIS CHRISTMAS

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Press Release 29/11/11
Families Destroyed by Bureaucracy

A reduction in application waiting times in the family reunification process was called for today (29/11/11) by The Integration Centre. The current processing time is 18 months.

Killian Forde, CEO of The Integration Centre, said “In this time young children are separated from parents, and husbands from wives. This situation attacks the very basis upon which Irish society is built.”

CALL FOR EXPULSION OF SCULLY FROM FINE GAEL

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Legislation on Racism Needed in Ireland

The Integration Centre is calling for the expulsion of Cllr Darren Scully, a member of Naas Town Council and the current Mayor of Naas, from Fine Gael after his racist comments today. (22/11/11)

Diverse Ireland Awards 2011

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Where? Mercantile, Dame St, Dublin 2

When? 14th December, 3-5pm

MC:                               Izabella Chudzicka, Entrepreneur, & TV Presenter

Awards Presenters:     Mary McEvoy - Actress & Novelist, Ray Shah - DJ and Big Brother runner-up; Emma Waldron, Miss Ireland 2010; and others...

Entertainment:             Acclaimed guitarist Niwel Tsimbu, and Flamenco dancing.
RSVP:                            helena.clarke@integrationcentre.ie by December 13th.

HANDSHAKE NOT A SOLUTION TO RACISM

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Legislation on Racism Needed in Ireland

The world of football has recently been forced into facing the reality of racism. Arguments have been made which suggest the pitch be seen as a land of immunity where normal rules do not apply. The eyes of the world are often focused on that green plain and if racism is treated flippantly there, it is reinforced as a societal norm.

The Integration Centre’s Annual Quiz:

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Be crowned the brains of the community sector and enjoy the fabulous comedy stylings of Dublin’s own Fabu D…..
Come and enjoy an evening of comedy, quizzing your general knowledge, and prizes while giving your support to The Integration Centre, a charity working for those on the margins and for the inclusion of all immigrants in Ireland.
Where? Downstairs in The Sweeney Mongrel, 32 Dame Street, Dublin 2
When? Tuesday, December 6th at 7.30pm
How much? €40 per table

To buy tickeks click here..

Make Ireland a Home

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Press Release 24/10/11

Advocates from The Integration Centre assembled outside Leinster House today (24/10/11) to launch the ‘Make Ireland a Home’ campaign. Through a mocked up living room setting the campaign is designed to highlight the importance of positive integration strategies in the upcoming budget.

A presidential Campaign for 9 out of 10

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Press Release 20/10/11

One in ten people in Ireland are members of the immigrant community, however they have been ignored throughout this election.

Zephyrin Ngaliema, a native of Democratic Republic of Congo, who has recently become an Irish citizen, said “I am concerned over the lack of reference to the 10 per cent of people living here that are foreign born.”

The Integration Centre Calls for Comprehensive Reform to Promote Integration of Immigrants

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Roadmap to Integration 2011, launched today (13/10/11), calls for changes in policy such as curriculum development, creation of orientation courses, and legislation to tackle racist crime to promote the social inclusion and integration of immigrants in Ireland.

Opportunity for migrant integration in the Education System

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Press Release 04/10/11

New Boards of Management will take up office from 1 December 2011. The Integration Centre calls on the immigrant population to put themselves forward, and ensure that this demographic of over 10 per cent of the population is represented in the management of their children’s education.

Integration: A Spanish Example

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Spanish Government has adopted a ‘Strategic Plan for Citizenship and Integration 2011-2014’. The proposal was made by the Minister of Labour and Immigration Valeriano Gomez, with the main objective being strengthening social cohesion in a new context characterised by the reduction in inbound immigrant migratory flows.

The Plan includes new measures to respond to the challenges of the future such as diversity management, strengthening human capital and equal opportunities to ensure social cohesion.

Invitation to the Launch of the Roadmap to Integration

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We will be launching the Roadmap to Integration 2011 October 13th, at 10.45am, in Buswells.

Fintan O'Toole, Editor The Irish Times, will launch the Roadmap. Killian Forde, CEO The Integration Centre, and Frances Soney Ituen, CEO Women's Integrated Network, will also speak at the event.

The Roadmap to Integration identifies some of the key blockages in Ireland in terms of integration policy and practice. It provides more than ninety suggested solutions to them and indicates whether those responsible for the policy are making progress in addressing the issue.

Jipe Kelly to Represent Ireland in the European Integration Forum

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Press Release 16/09/11

Mr Jipe Kelly, The Integration Centre’s Participatory Project Officer for the West, and a member of the Ministerial Council on Migrant Integration, has replaced Ms. Anna Rooney as one of Ireland's two representatives on the European Integration Forum (launched by the European Commission in April 2009).

Immigration is not only Positive but Necessary

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It is accepted that immigration flows reflective of labour market needs have positive impacts on the economy.

The Economist published an article promoting the benefits of immigration last week and Brophy Solicitors, experts in the immigration field in Ireland, have today (30/8/11) spoke out against the fact that 'it is becoming increasingly difficult for applicants to obtain permission to work in the State'. A practice which they say is contrary to productivity and innovation.

Call for Ban on Burka & Hoodies Ridiculous

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Cllr Joe O Callaghan of Cork City Council is putting down the motion to ‘ban burkas and give gardaí the power to order youths to remove their hoodies’.

Killian Forde, CEO of The Integration Centre said “the worst part of O’Callaghan’s childish, opportunistic, and irresponsible motion is that he equates criminal behavior with the wearing of the Burka’.

Nominations Open for The Diverse Ireland Awards 2011

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Integration Centre has announced the opening of nominations for The Diverse Ireland Awards 2011. Nominations can be made through The Integration Centre website www.integrationcentre.ie from Monday 15th August.

Creative Intercultural Workshop Evening

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Integration Centre will host a ‘Creative Intercultural Workshop Evening’

Thursday August 11th, 6.30pm-9.30pm, Exchange House, East Essex Street, Templebar.

All are welcome to this free event where participants will create an interactive game. Firstly there will be a short brainstorming session around immigrant issues, then using paints and other art materials we will create a number of games, badge making and further discussion will then take place.

The evening will involve:

-    Brainstorming
-    Discussion of integration issues
-    Badge making
-    Creation of interactive game
-    Refreshments

Art Supplies, refreshments and snacks will be provided by The Integration Centre

If you would like to take part RSVP to Helena via email or phone
helena.clarke@integrationcentre.ie
01-6453070

The Integration Centre Welcomes New Whistleblower Laws

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Press Release 06/07/11

Minister Alan Shatter has announced plans to include strong legal protection for whistleblowers to prevent them being sacked or penalised for reporting wrongdoing, as part of the Criminal Justice Bill 2011.

Immigrant Integration – Central to Ireland’s Future

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Last week’s census figures show that Ireland’s population is growing, that immigrants are not all leaving as was assumed and that Ireland is still experiencing net inward migration albeit at a slower rate than at the height of the boom.

Ireland’s Future

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

There are currently just over nine and a half thousand refugees living in Ireland; a small figure comparatively with the rest of Europe.

Monday 20th June is International Refugee Day as set out by the United Nations.

Killian Forde, CEO of The Integration Centre said “Refugees leave their country as a matter of necessity, fleeing persecution, leaving everything they’ve known and worked for behind”.

A Solutions Based Approach to Integration Needed

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A group of civil society organisations were brought together by Labour Intercultural on Saturday last (11/06/11), in Wynn's Hotel Dublin 1, to present their views on where immigration policy needs to go in the future.

Sham Marriage’s - a Smokescreen to more Important Issues?

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Minister Shatter today (10/06/11) announced that a law was in the making to tackle sham marriage’s in Ireland.

Speaking at the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence Alan Shatter T.D. claimed that sham marriages are leading to abuses of EU freedom of movement rights.

3 Dublin clubs will host an Intercultural day as part of The Camogie Association's National Development Plan

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

3 Dublin clubs will host an Intercultural day as part of The Camogie Association's National Development Plan to 'Ensure that players of all abilities and backgrounds are catered for'.

Lucan Sarsfields, Good Counsel and Kevins Camogie Clubs in Dublin will host an Intercultural open day in their club grounds in order to expand playing opportunities amongst ethnic minorities and young people in socio economically disadvantaged areas.

Last year the Camogie Association brought over 300 families to Croke Park for the All Ireland Camogie Finals to experience the game of camogie by linking in with the Integration Centre and New Communities Partnership. Each club will link in with local groups in their area to attract new girls and give them a taste of our wonderful game. The dates for each veneu are as follows:

The Integration Centre Welcomes Ruling Against Section 12

Mon, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Press Release 16/05/11

Mr Justice Kearns recently found that Section 12 of the Immigration Act 2004, which made it a criminal offence for a non-national to fail to produce a passport or equivalent documentation, to be unconstitutional.

The Integration Centre Welcomes Visa Waiver Programme

Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Press Release 11/05/11

Minister Shatter will today (11/05/11) announce the introduction of a visa waiver programme for Ireland. This will mean that people from specific countries will be able to travel to Ireland for either holiday or work for short periods without having to obtain a visa.

New Study Profiles Immigrants’Integration into Irish society

Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Press Release 3/5/11

How are immigrants integrating into Irish society? The Annual Monitoring Report on Integration 2010, published today (4 May 2011) by The Integration Centre, brings together a range of indicators to develop a profile of how immigrants are integrating into various aspects of Irish society: employment, education, social inclusion and active citizenship. Following a framework proposed at the EU Ministerial Conference on Integration at Zaragoza in 2010, the key indicators aim to be comparable across EU Member States, based on existing national data, and focused on outcomes. Immigrant equality in the workplace is also explored as special theme in this Report using the National Workplace Survey. Other indicators draw primarily on surveys conducted by the CSO.

The Single Market Act: The Integration Centre Comment

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The announcement of the Single Market Act today (13/04/11) has been welcomed by The Integration Centre.

Greater Immigrant Capacity; Better Environment for All

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Integration Centre will tomorrow (16/04/11) launch capacity building manuals for immigrant organisations through hands-on workshops in County Louth in partnership with the Louth Minority Ethnic Consortium.

Waterford City to Develop Integration Strategy

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Integration Centre, in partnership with Waterford City Development Board, will facilitate the development of an Integration Strategy for the city in the coming months. The Strategy will form part of the Board’s ten year strategy for Economic, Social and Cultural Development 2002-2012.

Launch of Annual Integration Monitoring Report 2010

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The official launch of The Integration Centre's report "Annual Integration Monitoring Report 2010" will take place in the Oak Room of the Mansion House, Dublin 2, on May 4th 2011.

Reform of Refugee Appeals System Needed

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It was revealed today (4/04/11) that the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT) cost the state over €3 million in 2009 and 2010 in appeals cases. Asylum seekers use RAT when their applications for asylum have been refused by ORAC – the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner.

The Integration Centre Welcomes Review of School Patronage

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Killian Forde, CEO of The Integration Centre, today welcomed the announcement by the Minister of Education, Ruairi Quinn TD, on the establishment of a “forum” that will review the patronage and management of primary schools.

The Integration Centre calls for Government Commitment to Combat Racism

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

There is a growing concern amongst immigrant groups that the integration of immigrants and the creation of anti-racism strategies are being sidelined in the current political agenda. As it stands, the new Government has not appointed a Minister for Integration. If this situation continues without the responsibilities being at least transferred to another department there will be serious repercussions for Irish society.

Get Ready

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Integration Centre will host an English Language & Information Workshop for Jobseekers in Dundalk tomorrow.

The Integration Centre appoints Killian Forde as its new CEO

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Integration Centre has today announced that it has appointed Killian Forde as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The Centre is an Immigrant Rights non-governmental organisation (NGO) which aims to create an integrated and inclusive society in Ireland where immigrants and their families are fully and equally involved. It was formed out of the merger two years ago of Integrating Ireland and the Refugee Information Service.

Immigrants: Over Qualified and Under Utilised

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Integration Centre, a non-government organisation which is committed to the integration and inclusion of people from immigrant backgrounds in Ireland, has joined forces with the ESRI in order to create the first integration monitoring report which analyses qualitative data at the national level. This report provides a mapping of the status of immigrant integration in Ireland through a detailed analysis of immigrant involvement in employment, education, social inclusion and active citizenship.

The Official Launch of Louth Minority Ethnic Consortium

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Louth Minority Ethnic Consortium (LMEC) will be launched officially Tuesday, 15th of February 2011, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dundalk, County Louth at 12.00 noon by Pat Colgan, CEO, Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

An Upcoming Review of Human Rights in Ireland

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

In October this year, the United Nations Human Rights Council under the Universal Periodic Review will examine, for the first time, the human rights record in Ireland. The purpose of the UN Human Rights Council is to examine violations of human rights...

The Establishment of Louth Minority Ethnic Consortium

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

In order to develop and increase awareness and understanding of the issues surrounding sectarianism and racism in County Louth, the Louth Minority Ethnic Consortium (LMEC) has been established to focus on the needs of minority ethnic communities in the County.

Gala All Ireland Camogie Finals – Celebrating Diversity in Ireland

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This year’s Gala All Ireland Camogie Finals will celebrate diversity in Ireland with 200 families from new communities attending the Association’s premier sporting event on Sunday September 12th in Croke Pak.

ISICI and TCD Explore the Future for the Asylum Process in Europe

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Jo Ahern CEO ISICI, and Wale Mogaji Head of Communications, spoke on Thursday last, in Trinity on the future for the asylum process. The lecture was entitled The Common European Asylum Process; Where to Now? Dr Rosemary Byrne, a senior lecturer in the Law Faculty also spoke at the event.

ISICI Achieves Another First

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Many fear for the most vulnerable in society, during an economic downturn. Often unable to advocate for themselves, it is important that NGOs continue to work towards the protection of the rights of those that would otherwise go unaided. The Integration and Social Inclusion Centre Ireland (ISICI) provides a nationwide information service for immigrants in the area of immigration, international protection and integration and draws on the expertise of a national network of more than 230 community and voluntary organisations.

Integration Centre Sets Agenda for Regional Engagement

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Integration Centre today engaged with people from immigrant backgrounds at the first meeting of the Centre’s network of organisations in 2010, held at the New Oak Community Centre, Carlow.

Refugee Integration Needs Monitoring

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Integration Centre has called for the monitoring of integration worldwide to determine the level of immigrant engagement in society. This information will lead to a targeted response to what is lacking in national systems, and prevent the wastage of invaluable resources. Josephine Ahern, CEO of The Integration Centre, made the call in furtherance of the Stockholm Programme which identified a set of integration indicators, including education, employment and active citizenship, agreed by the EU in Nov 2009. This call coincides with World Refugee Day which is to be celebrated around the world on the 20th June.

Dublin’s Lord Mayor Launches The Integration Centre

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Gerry Breen will today launch The Integration Centre. The Centre is the first of its kind in Ireland, and will engage in the monitoring of immigrant to inform legislation, policy and practice.

The Integration Centre Addresses Employment Crisis

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Integration Centre, in collaboration with the EU READI project, is helping to promote employment in Ireland through a series of workshops and the production of manuals which assist immigrants in the job market.

Dublin International Gospel Music Festival to be Launched

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Details of Ireland’s first International Gospel Music Festival will be unveiled at 10.30am tomorrow, Friday, 3rd September, in the Conference Centre, Edmund Rice House, O’Connell Schools, North Richmond Street, Dublin 1.

A Cross-Sectoral Discussion on Integration

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Community groups, members of county councils, the HSE, GAA and a number of other entities met today(13/10/10) to discuss the future of integration for Ireland.
Integration planning has been a feature of governance in most EU countries for a number of years. However as Ireland’s history has been one defined more by net emigration than immigration, we are only now recognizing the need to plan for this in Ireland.

Plans for Summary Removal in Immigration Bill is contrary to International Law

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A coalition of seven national and regional organisations has called on legislators to drop provisions in the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2010 that would allow for the summary removal of migrants, when they meet to discuss the draft legislation tomorrow (Friday 5 Nov).

ISICI launches Ireland’s first immigrant youth integration guide

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Integration and Social Inclusion Centre Ireland (ISICI) trading as Integrating Ireland will launch ‘At Home in Ireland: an Integration Guide for Immigrant Youth and Parents’. As the first of its kind, this unique guide provides a much needed resource for young immigrants and their parents by providing user-friendly and accessible information on language learning, family, feeling connected, education, employment and being a part of a community.

RIS welcomes extension of period for migrants to find work

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Refugee Information Service (RIS) has praised the decision of government to extend the period of time allowed for migrant workers to find new employment after losing their jobs.

RIS condemns new fee for long term residency

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Refugee Information Service (RIS) has questioned the decision by Government through the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern, TD, to impose an arbitrary new €500 fee on non-EEA migrants applying for Long Term Residency in Ireland.

'Ireland rates less than EU average in refugee family reunification'

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

‘Ireland rates less than EU average in refugee family reunification’
Leading NGO reports on challenges facing families of refugees

Report highlights uncoordinated service provision in education access for refugees

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Prohibitive fees and poor co-ordination among educators are two of the main barriers to higher education for people granted residence in Ireland, a new report has found.

Refugee organisations call for restoration of dignity to refugees as the world celebrate refugee day

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Three national Non-Government Organisations working with refugees and asylum seekers in Ireland have called on individuals and organisations alike to reflect on the many difficult experiences of asylum seekers and refugees worldwide with a view to putting this year's World Refugee Day theme ‘ Real People, Real needs' in context in Ireland.

'Job discrimination findings supported by previous studies’- refugee groups

Sun, 10 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Refugees and people who have been granted permission to remain in Ireland are more vulnerable to employment discrimination particularly because they do not have Irish names.

Migrants gear up for political integration

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The increasing number of migrant candidates at the forthcoming local elections is a sign of their commitment to the socio-political development of Ireland.

Asylum seekers to contribute to Irish farming

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Director of the Refugee Information Service (RIS), Ms. Josephine Ahern has welcomed request by asylum seekers for farm land in order to contribute to Irish farming and grow their own food as demonstrative of willingness by asylum seekers to work and integrate into Irish society.

Refugee Service (RIS) calls for fair procedure for Pamela Izevbekhai

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Director of the Refugee Information Service (RIS), Josephine Ahern today appealed to the public to keep an open mind in relation to Ms Pamela Izevbekhai’s case for humanitarian leave to remain in Ireland.

‘Migrants committed to Ireland’ — Refugee Information Service

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Refugee Information Service (RIS) today called on public and private sector organisations to ensure that locally-based forums and partnerships commit to implementing integration initiatives and structures to ensure that migrants and Irish people better integrate.

Refugee Service welcomes High Court decision to hear family reunification refusal cases

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Refugees’ right to family reunification under section 18 of the 1996 Refugee Act must be upheld in all cases in order that the system is seen to be fair and transparent as they have clear rights under Irish law to be reunited with their families.