One of Ireland’s leading businessmen has urged those hit by the economic crisis not to despair.
In an exclusive interview with Metro Éireann last Friday, Denis O’Brien said: “Ob-viously it is difficult for everybody. People will lose their jobs, but people will be getting new jobs as well. I don’t think people should be too desponded about that.”
According to O’Brien, increased job creation will help the economy recover. “The future is not as gloomy as people think it is,” he added.
O’Brien spoke following the launch of Fáilte Isteach’s Dublin 15 initiative, part of an ongoing community-based project which sees older volunteers teach conversational English to migrants.
The chairman of the Iris O’Brien Foundation – which provided funding for Fáilte Isteach in conjunction with the Office of the Minister for Integration and others – added that the new programme is a wonderful opportunity for migrants to integrate.
“The success of the Fáilte Isteach project to date is a credit to all of the local volunteers whose commitment, energy and vitality showcases the best of what local communities have to offer,” he said.
“By giving of their time, volunteers are creating lasting friendships and bonds and are redefining what community spirit and activism are all about.”
Asked how immigrants can best respond to the unique opportunity offered by the programme, O’Brien said: “They are already responding because Fáilte Isteach has now 17 centres up and running, and it’s a real partnership between the communities and also the new Irish who have come to these shores.”
He added: “I think the work which Fáilte Isteach is doing, helping people settling in Ireland with their families and children, is just incredibly valuable at this time. It also helps them to be part of the [Irish] community. ”
Responding to the same question, Minister for Integration John Curran TD urged immigrants to utilise the opportunities offered by the programme, and to promote the scheme among those who might best benefit from it.
“Being able to converse with the local population is an important milestone that allows individuals to take responsibility for their own integration, and helps them build a life for themselves in Ireland," the minister said.
Earlier, President McAleese – who officially launched the Dublin 15 initiative at the Mountview Youth and Community Centre in Clonsilla – urged people to make immigrants’ lack of comfort their own concern, adding that making others feel welcome benefits us all.
“Between us we would all grow,” she said. “We would become friends to one another, we would become community to one another and we would do what those who built the country from scratch exalted us to do.”
The Fáilte Isteach project was established in October 2006 by Mary Nally, chairperson and founder of the Summerhill, Co Meath-based Third Age Foundation.
