The newly appointed Minister for Integration Policy has said he believes that politicians across the country, even in their constituency work, are eager to encourage integration of immigrants into Irish society.
In an exclusive interview, Minister Conor Lenihan told Metro Eireann: “All the information that I glean from my TD colleagues is that migrant workers are now very much part of the daily constituency business of any functioning politician.”
He continued: “My sense of it is that there is a huge concern amongst my political colleagues that integration should occur.”
The minister said he has proactively worked for cross-cultural understanding and co-operation between immigrants and Irish people, and has promoted integration in his constituency work.
“I have made efforts both as a Minister, and prior to becoming a Minister, to make friends and alliances with members of all communities,” he commented. “I admire greatly the contribution that migrants make to modern Ireland and enjoy the concepts of greater diversity that these new Irish communities are bringing to our society.”
Asked about his thoughts on an amnesty for many asylum seekers who have been here a number of years without a resolution to their case, Minister Lenihan said: “Any decision on an amnesty would have to be carefully considered on the basis of wide consultation across the Government.”
