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.
Killian Forde, CEO of The Integration Centre applauded the move saying “This is a positive step by Spain which will lead to a more inclusive society. Many countries can learn from this, including Ireland.”
“It is always important when top level government officials recognise that integration is an important issue and embrace it. Hopefully the Spanish example will help inspire other governments in the EU to take a deeper look at their own situations.”
Included in the Strategic Plan are agreements that will strengthen tools and policies surrounding public services and citizen participation, this will ensure that all citizens have access on equal terms.
Mr. Forde said, “Integration is a two-way street, in order to be successful both public officials and the immigrants themselves must be on the same page. When this happens and everyone is invested in the issue it becomes a much smoother process.”
“Immigrant integration is one of the biggest issues facing Ireland today; we have two choices, first is to continue with the status quo and maintain our inefficiencies or the second is to follow the lead of Spain and reevaluate our countries current stance. By looking at our national system from the top-down we will be able to invest in our future while also seeing considerable short term changes.”
“As Irish citizens we should look forward to seeing how Ireland can learn from Spain’s Strategic Plan and perhaps someday develop one of our own.”