Proposal for closer ethnic relations

THE requirement for primary teachers to have Irish should be reviewed and political parties should have a minority ethnic quota system for their executives, according to a report on methods to increasing integration.

The report, to be published today by the Integration Centre, also recommends that racism should be introduced as an aggravating factor in sentencing for crimes; more migrants should join An Garda Síochána; and, after two years, asylum seekers should be allowed to leave direct provision with the temporary right to work or social protection.

The document suggests 78 solutions to integration problems spread across seven categories and has a “top 10” it believes should be implemented by October of next year. This includes work on the introduction of intercultural studies as a subject at Junior and Leaving Certificate level.

In its business and employment section, the report argues that many highly skilled immigrants work below their skill set or are unemployed. The solutions offered include grants by employment support services be made available for exam costs, and training allowances be provided to qualified professionals to help them develop proficiency in English.

It also recommends that the work visa system be reformed so that employees can change employers within sectoral bands without having to wait for one year.

As for education, it recommends that Educate Together schools should be available in all areas.

- The Roadmap to Integration 2011 can be seen at integrationcentre.ie