The difficulties in the direct provision system were acknowledged as a new information, advice and support service for migrants and asylum seekers was launched this morning in Portlaoise.
Laois Partnership Company has recently received €150,000 from the Department of Justice and Equality under the Asylum Migration and Integration Funds (AMIF).
The service will support asylum seekers and refugees.
It will include supporting asylum seekers transitioning from direct provision.
It will also develop the first integration strategy for county Laois and identify and raise awareness of new communities and enhance their capacity to engage with service providers and relevant agencies.
The need for this programme was identified through Laois Partnership Company’s existing programmes including Failte Isteach English conversation classes and work with the Syrian and other refugee communities and asylum capacity to engage with service providers and relevant agencies.
Peter O’Neill, chairman of Laois Partnership said the funding will be “invaluable to the continuation of our work with new communities”.
A full-time integration worker has been appointed to provide a dedicated service through information clinics and one-to-one support.
The funding will help them develop an integrated strategy for Laois, “which will lead to the harmonious integration of the diverse communities living in Laois,” he said.
Earlier, Laois Partnership CEO Anne Goodwin said Ireland is well known for its Cead Mile Failte.
“We have probably lost that a little because of the numbers coming here, our recession and all the other issues we faced,” she said.
Stronger
However, by helping people, she said they can help make communities stronger.
She welcomed representatives from the Montague Direct Provision Centre.
She said the centre in Emo gives them access, even though they are not required to do so.
“I would like to thank them for their openness and the staff for the work they do out there. They are not required to work with us, but they do,” she said.
Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council Cllr Padraig Fleming described the launch as a “very good, positive day”.
“It is a very good initiative and I would like to congratulate everyone who has played a part in it,” he said.
“I wish our asylum seekers and migrants the best and hope they will be happy here,” he said.
“We will give whatever support is needed,” he added.
“After a very difficult week in the Department of Justice, I am delighted to be associated with a good news story here in my constituency,” Minister Charlie Flanagan said.
He recognised the support from state agencies and also the voluntary sector.
“The direct provision system is far from ideal,” Minister Flanagan acknowledged.
“My job is to make sure that those problems are mitigated,” he said.
Superior
However, he added that the system in Ireland is “in some ways different and superior than in other countries”.
He said they would have to address the shortcomings in the system, and take on board recommendations from Judge Bryan McMahon.
He said there has been government approval to let asylum seekers work, and it is expected that this will be resolved by April.
All asylum seekers should have their applications dealt with within nine months, he said.
SEE ALSO – All-Ireland glory for Laois tillage farmer
