BUDGET 2016: Welcome for €25m fund to address refugee crisis

A fresh allocation of €25m for accommodating refugees fleeing countries such as Syria was welcomed yesterday, amid claims people already in the asylum system had been forgotten.

In his budget speech, Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Brendan Howlin outlined how Ireland would help in the response to the refugee crisis which has exploded in recent months.

“In the same way as we need to care for and protect our own people in the most dreadful of times, we must also be prepared to do the same for others,” Mr Howlin said.

“The refugee crisis on Europe’s borders demands a practical and generous response from the Irish people, who have a long and proud history of international humanitarianism.

“The spontaneous and heartfelt response of communities across the country, which is evident in the huge number of offers of assistance and volunteerism, shows that we will not be found wanting.”

He said that €25m would be provided “to ensure Ireland is not found wanting in this regard”.

Mr Howlin added: “Funds will be spent on accommodation, additional staffing, integration programmes, and on new Emergency Resettlement and Orientation Centres.”

Immigrant Council of Ireland chief executive Brian Killoran welcomed the move: “Ensuring proper integration of those arriving in Ireland is key,” he said.

“We must invest to ensure that refugees can restart their lives with access to education, training, and employment and the opportunity to become full participants in the communities which will be their new homes.”

The Irish Refugee Council also welcomed the news of the funding allocation, but said there was still not enough detail regarding how it would be spent.

Spokeswoman Caroline Reid also said that there appeared to be no mention of existing refugees and asylum seekers: “The one thing that has come out is they have not even managed to increase the weekly allowance for people.”

That and other recommendations were included in the report of an expert group looking at direct provision, which is still being considered by Government.

Ms Reid said of those already in the direct provision system: “They are starting to feel very sidelined and marginalised again.”