The Integration Centre Releases

Press Release 26/3/12 – Immediate Release

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.”

 “Dublin City Council has been a leader in the field of integration in Ireland. In our experience, whilst other councils around the country are doing good work in relation to integration, Dublin City goes further to ensure that all communities living here feel a part of this society.”

“Local government has limited influence over many of the factors impacting on integration. It has no power over employment, education or health matters – all of which are central aspects of integration. However, both the EU and Ireland’s national government believe that integration takes place at the local level and must be led by local government. The monitoring and planning of integration by local authorities is therefore one of the key ways in which they can formulate and strategise integration at the local level.”

“We believe that strengthening the local authority system would greatly enhance integration work at the local level. Where the local government has authority, such as housing or voter registration, it has been able to drive the agenda forward and achieved effective collaboration.”

“This responsibility to formulate integration strategies without the ability to directly formulate agendas is difficult and explains the reluctance of some councils to ignore the urgency of integration.”

“However, there are major drawbacks to inaction. Racism and social problems inherent in a community which is not integrated are becoming more and more prominent in Ireland. The time to act is now. Once division in a society becomes entrenched often there is no going back for many generations afterward.”

To finish Mr Forde said, “We at The Integration Centre believe in this project as a means to promote the message that Dublin is an open city which respects and embraces difference and does not accept racism and discrimination. Open dialogue and action are central solutions to a burgeoning problem which cannot be let get out of hand.”

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Andre Montague said “this type of work supports and encourages communities to deepen their engagement with one another. The various cultural festivals supported by Dublin City Council which attracted many participants can also be considered a successful first step. The Integration Centre and Dublin City Council have my full support in this venture.”

ENDS

Contact:

Helena Clarke on 01 645 3092 / 087-961 0897; 1st and 2nd Floors, 18 Dame Street Dublin 2, helena.clarke@integrationcentre.ie, www.integrationcentre.ie

Notes to the Editor

The Integration Centreis committed to the integration and inclusion of people from immigrant backgrounds in Ireland. The Centre specialises in planning, monitoring and advocacy at city, local, national and international levels, and it also provides regionalized information, advice and training services. Evidence-based research influences positive change in legislation, policy and practice. We have more than 250 affiliated organisations as part of our network.

Monitoring Integration in Dublin City was produced by The Integration Centre with the support of Dublin City Council.  It draw’s together current relevant information on the profile and needs of the immigrant population and analyses service providers’ experience of working within a remit of integration. It aims to inform political leaders, policy-makers, practitioners and the general public.