Equality, social inclusion and integration

Pobal suggested that equality principles should “inform integration strategies rolled out with new communities, particularly with refugees and asylum seekers”. They recommended working with the community and voluntary sector to ensure that “local infrastructure is well equipped and resourced to ensure equity in accessing supports and services and that the capacity of local communities is developed to enable them to be inclusive”. The DRCD echoed this sentiment and called for the SoS to reference the “five year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland (‘Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities’) and the National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland”.

Pobal stated that they would welcome the opportunity to work with the Department on social inclusion programmes for marginalised groups, and drew attention to community development programmes with Travellers and disadvantaged women as a “strong source of learning on engagement models with target groups”. Both Pobal and the DRCD highlighted DRCD community development projects as opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration on issues related to equality, diversity and inclusion. As the Department responsible for SICAP, (“the government’s foremost social inclusion programme”), the DRCD recommended continued close collaboration between both Departments on issues relating to equality and integration, such as migrant integration.