Cullen seeks mentors on Irish culture

Businessman and 'The Apprentice' star Bill Cullen today urged citizens to become role models for the country’s new Irish.

A new mentoring programme to team up immigrants with well established residents was launched by the star of the reality TV show.

The scheme, by the Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI), aims to ease people’s transition in to life in Ireland by helping with language barriers and giving information on a range of issues.

Mentors can also give a greater understanding of Irish culture and share an interest in sport or music.

Mr Cullen encouraged people with an interest in acting as a positive role model for someone who is new to Ireland to take part in the programme.

“This is a great way for people with a variety of skills to share their expertise and knowledge about Ireland in a way that brings real benefits to themselves, their mentee and the community as a whole,” Mr Cullen said.

ICI chair John Cunningham said its mentoring programme is a positive example of practical integration.

“This is a positive, grass-roots programme that promotes integration by encouraging people to learn from each other as individuals,” Mr Cunningham said.

Volunteers must be over 21, have a genuine interest meeting and befriending migrants and be willing to spend a minimum of five hours a month for a minimum of one year.