Representatives from Local Authorities across Ireland gathered in Athlone for a specially organised conference, opened by the Minister of State for Equality, Immigration and Integration at the Department of Justice and Equality, Mr. David Stanton T.D.

The conference, “Supporting Integrated Communities: Linking National and Local Action on Migrant Integration”, discussed Ireland’s strategy to improve the integration of migrants into local communities.

Minister Stanton stated: LocalAuthorities MOS Speakers

“Local Authorities have a critical role to play in the migrant integration process, so I am delighted that we have had the opportunity to engage with them and learn more about the proactive efforts they are taking and how we can work together more effectively. The national Migrant Integration Strategy lays out a clear path for us to improve our migrant integration processes across local and national government. The Department of Justice and Equality is committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that migrants continue to be welcomed and integrated into Irish life and society.”

 

The conference was hosted by the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration (OPMI) at the Department of Justice and Equality and chaired by Oonagh Buckley, Deputy Secretary General of the Department of Justice and Equality. Delegates explored ways that local and national government can work together to ensure that migrants can play a full part in Ireland’s cities, towns and rural communities.

The one-day conference included a number of guest speakers:

In addition, an afternoon workshop was facilitated by Joe O’Brien, Integration Outreach Officer with the Immigrant Council of Ireland. Officials from OPMI presented an update on Ireland’s Migrant Integration Strategy, a cross-governmental strategy that includes actions for implementation by Local Authorities, State Agencies and Government Departments.