Migrant Integration Strategy

Since 2017, the ‘Migrant Integration Strategy (MIS) – A Blueprint for the Future’ has been the central policy framework adopted by Government to promote the integration of all migrants who are legally residing in the State. It envisages a whole-of-government approach to enhance diversity, inclusion and equity for migrants across all aspects of Irish society through increased focus on social inclusion measures, improved access to public services and targeted action to address racism and xenophobia.

The MIS was developed and coordinated by the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration (OPMI) within the Department of Justice. Following a transfer of functions on 14 October 2020, policy concerning migrant integration now falls under the remit of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

The Strategy contains 76 actions under a variety of themes, including:

• citizenship and residency
• access to public services and social inclusion
• education
• employment and pathways to work
• health
• integration in the community
• political participation
• promoting intercultural awareness and combating racism and xenophobia
• volunteering
• sport

The 76 actions are being delivered by government departments, local authorities, public bodies, local communities, the business sector, sporting and arts organisations and NGOs.

The implementation of this Strategy is overseen by a Monitoring and Coordination Committee chaired by Roderic O’Gorman TD, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The Committee is comprised of senior officials from government departments and agencies and representatives from Civil Society Organisations who are tasked with examining and reporting on issues concerning integration. It meets three times a year.

While initially due to end in December 2020, Minister Roderic O’Gorman announced the decision to extend the Strategy to December 2021 to enable the actions of the Strategy to continue to be implemented while facilitating preparations for a new strategic policy approach to migrant integration.

Building on the work of the MIS Mid-Term Progress Report, published in June 2019, an independent evaluation of the strategy will be conducted before the Strategy’s conclusion, which will inform the development of a robust successor strategy.