Press release
Minster Stanton hosts Conference for Local Authorities on Integration of Migrants into Communities
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
Today, Minister of State for Equality and Integration, Mr David Stanton TD, hosts representatives from local authorities across Ireland in Athlone. This specially organised conference, “Supporting Integrated Communities: Linking National and Local Action on Migrant Integration”, will discuss Ireland’s strategy to improve the integration of migrants into local communities.
The conference is being organised by the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration (OPMI) at the Department of Justice and Equality. Delegates will explore ways that local and national government can work together to ensure that migrants can play a full part in Ireland’s cities, towns and rural communities.
The one-day conference includes guest speakers from two communities in Spain and Norway, who will each offer an international perspective on the integration of migrants into local life in their countries. Ekain Larrinaga Muguruza is in charge of the Immigration and Interculturality Unit in the Getxo City Council (Basque Country, Spain) and Sølve Særtre works for the City of Bergen (Norway), as a special advisor in the Department for Social Affairs. There will also be a presentation from Dr Robin Wilson, an independent researcher based in Belfast, who serves as adviser to the Council of Europe on intercultural integration. In addition, the conference will feature a workshop facilitated by Joe O’Brien, who is the Integration Outreach Officer with the Immigrant Council of Ireland. Officials from OPMI will present an update on Ireland’s Migrant Integration Strategy, a cross-governmental strategy that includes actions for implementation by local authorities, State agencies and government departments.
Opening the Conference, Minister Stanton said:
"Local Authorities have a critical role to play in the migrant integration process, so I am delighted that we have the opportunity to engage and learn more about the proactive efforts being taken and how we can work together more effectively. The National Migrant Integration Strategy lays out a clear path for us to improve our migrant integration processes across local and national government. Government is committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that migrants continue to be welcomed and integrated into Irish life and society."
ENDS
The conference is taking place at the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone.
Local Authorities have key role in the implementation of the government’s Migrant Integration Strategy.
Specifically, the following actions fall under the responsibility of the Local Authorities:
| Action Number | Action |
| 52 | Integration strategies will be updated. |
| 53 | A Migrant Integration Forum will be established in every local authority area, ideally through existing Public Participation Network (PPN) structures, and will meet regularly. |
| 54 | An Integration Network will be established where migrant groups can engage with the government and public bodies on issues of concern and on barriers to integration. |
| 62 | Local Authorities will take action to have migrant representation on all Joint-Policing Committees. |
| 64 | Local Authorities will develop and publish their policy on the early removal of racist graffiti in their respective areas. |
The national Migrant Integration Strategy – A Blueprint for the Future, is a cross-governmental strategy that includes 76 actions and runs until 2020.
The Strategy is available at the following link: www.integration.ie/en/ISEC/Migrant_Integration_Strategy_English.pdf/Files/Migrant_Integration_Strategy_English.pdf.