National Strategies

In 2005, the Government launched the National Action Plan Against Racism (2005-2008) (NPAR), a four year programme designed to provide strategic direction towards developing a more intercultural inclusive society in Ireland. This began the process whereby local authorities developed anti-racism and diversity plans (see Local Strategies section).

In May 2007, an election led to the formation of a new Government who agreed a new Programme for Government 2007-2012. The Programme contains a commitment to effective integration and sets out a number of actions including the development of a national integration policy and the appointment of a Minister of State to implement the policy. The Office of the Minister for Integration was set up immediately to put the Programme commitments into practice.

The Irish Government also indicated its ongoing and long-term commitment towards the integration process through the launch of the National Development Plan 2007-2013 in 2007, with an indication that some €36m would be invested across government departments over the lifetime of the Plan to support the integration of immigrants in Ireland. The National Development Plan and also the National Report for Ireland on Strategies for Social Protection and Social Inclusion 2008-2010 (NSSPI) recognise integration as “one of the most important challenges being faced by Irish society”.

In May 2008, the Office of the Minister for Integration published Migration Nation, which develops a broader approach to integration strategy and diversity management, based on the above Programme.

National strategies have been developed in the following areas: -

Action Strategy to Support Integrated Workplaces

HSE National Intercultural Health Strategy

Intercultural Education Strategy

Garda (Police) Diversity Strategy and Implementation Plan 2009 - 2012

Work is also ongoing on a Strategy for Cultural Diversity and the Arts


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