Sustained integration policies vital
The Refugee Information Service (RIS) welcomes some of the minister’s comments concerning initiatives to address inadequate responses to the changing nature of Irish society. Specifically, we welcome his commitment to ensuring English language courses will be provided for adult migrants; and that schools will be assisted to ensure Irish and non-Irish children benefit equally from the education system.
The implementation of a progressive and inclusive approach to schooling for all children in Ireland is an essential component of a successful integration strategy. It is incumbent on the Government to ensure children are not the victims of poor public policy and even poorer information dissemination, regardless of their backgrounds.
However, the RIS is concerned about some comments relating to the issue which appear to blame children from new communities for the problems that exist within the education system, including insufficient resources and overcrowding in classrooms. It is clear that school resources are inadequate, particularly the lack of resources for children whose first language is not English.
It is unfair, and dangerous, to scapegoat children whose parents happen to have been born in another country, and who, in many instances are Irish citizens. It is also appalling to demonise children rather than to acknowledge and tackle the very real failings of our education system.
We therefore encourage Mr Lenihan to challenge such views and to put in place measures which address the seriousness of such sentiments.
The reality of immigration as experienced by Ireland over the past 10-15 years is that it has been of great benefit to the country. The migrants who have made Ireland their home, for either safety or economic reasons, are more often than not well-educated and committed to doing their best to integrate into Irish society.
In this context, it is also important that the Government plans its social housing policies properly and that it ensures the diversity of people who seek such housing is represented, and that Irish people, along with legally resident migrants, have equal access to this resource.
It is the RIS’s experience that people from a migrant background work hard to buy their own homes and prefer not to be dependent on the State. Any myths surrounding housing, therefore, must also be addressed, to prevent further divisions on this issue. If ghettoisation is occurring, then it is a planning failure on the part of the Government.
Josephine Ahern
Director
Refugee Information Service
27 Annamoe Terrace
North Circular Rd
Dublin 7
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