Towards Integration: A City Framework pdf (2.31 mb )
The leaders of key state and city organisations will join together later today in City Hall to sign a formal Declaration of Intent on Integration for the city. The Lord Mayor Councillor Paddy Burke will formally accept on behalf of the City a public declaration of commitment on integration by all city organisations representing, state,local government, local development, business trade unions and community interests.
The Declaration commits to promoting, and supporting the integration of the immigrant population of the city within the political,social and economic life of the city. Immigrants now form 15% of city population with over 75,000 from a non national background and with over 100 nationalities represented in the city. The Declaration commits organisations such as Dublin City Council, City of Dublin VEC, FAS, HSE, Government Departments of Justice, Equality& Law Reform, Education & Science , Social & Family Affairs, State Agencies IDA and Enterprise Ireland, together with Dublin Chamber Commerce, City Enterprise Board, ICTU, Area Development partnerships and community interests, to develop a strong integration focus in strategic and business planning and to collaborate in joint measures and actions which contribute to a more open, integrated city.
The Declaration took place at the launch of “Towards Integration A City Framework” by Minister for Integration Conor Lenihan TD, a new policy statement on integration for Dublin City published by the Dublin City Development Board which is led by Dublin City Council. While management of immigration is a matter for government integration is a responsibility which falls on the city and its network of agencies, stated Councillor Sean Kenny Chairperson Dublin City Development Board the strategic partnership structure for the city.
The new policy framework outlines the context of migration and settlement patterns in the city for the first time. It communicates a vision, principles and a strong message of commitment to integration at city level from state,local government, business and social partners.
From the 2006 census it draws out the pattern of ethnic diversity in Dublin. It indicates that the greatest concentration of migrant population is in the north east inner city with 4 of 10 Electoral Divisions (ED’s) having an ethnic population of over 50% and a further 3 ED’S having 25% ethnic population. In addition 2 ED’S in the south east inner city show a majority ethnic population. However there is also a distribution of ethnic population throughout the wider city with 40 ED’s showing an ethnic population of more than 25%.
The process involved consultation with new communities and migrant interest groups to outline the challenges and response required at city level.
The framework is a starting point to encourage all partners to take ownership of integration, to review and adapt their policies and priorities to ensure information and service provision acknowledges the new reality and diversity of the city's resident population.
It consolidates existing research and information,draws on evolving national policy, European principles on integration and the experience of cities with a migration history.
It identifies key issues on information and services , barriers to progress, and sets out policy framework and template for actions.
Dublin City Council will be the key driver for integration in the city in partnership with other agencies and it has set out a 10 point Charter of Commitment which will establish the city administration as a focal point of integration in common with other European cities.