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.
According to The Integration Centre CEO, Josephine Ahern “There is a mistaken belief at present that most immigrants have left Ireland; however recent research has shown this is not the case. Whilst a large number of people from immigrant backgourds, that came here on short-term work permits to bolster the building boom, have left. A much larger proportion have settled in Ireland with their families and intend to stay.”
She continued by saying “Integration is local. People have to feel welcome in the community they live in first and foremost. However, integration does not just happen organically – it needs to be planned for. The Minister for Integration, Mary White TD, also concurs with this analysis as she has intimated that an increased focus on integration by the local authorities will be happening in the future.”
The Integration Centre is currently involved in eleven integration plans around the country and hopes to grow this involvement nationwide-wide.
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Contact: Helena Clarke, Communications and Media Executive, on 01 6453082/6453070; helena.clarke@integrationcentre.ie; www.integrationcentre.ie http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/The-Integration-Centre/133769843300173?ref=sgm
Editor’s note
The Integration Centre is committed to the integration and inclusion of people from immigrant backgrounds in Ireland. The Centre specializes in planning, monitoring and advocacy at city, local, national and international levels and provides regionalized information, advice and training services. The Centre conducts evidence-based research to influence positive changes in legislation, policy and practice and proactively engage with all sectors of society to achieve this. We have more than 250 affiliated organisations as part of our national network.