Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 October 2024
185. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the amount of the money allocated to Programme E - Local Authority Integration Team Community Integration Forum in Budget 2025 that is for new measures. [40589/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal Authority Integration Teams / Community Integration Forums
A Local Authority Integration Team (LAIT) has now been established in each Local Authority. The teams work directly with International Protection Applicants, Those with Status, Programme Refugees and Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection with the overarching aim to empower individuals to ultimately live independently in the community.
The role of the teams is to provide ongoing integration supports, information, advice and guidance. The teams link individuals with relevant supports and services and work with service providers to provide complementary support.
The teams are also integral members of the Community Integration Forums (CIF). The Forums are the newly permanent and expanded structure which incorporates both the existing Community Response Forum for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP), and the Interagency Working Groups currently in place for the Irish Refugee Protection Programme.
The purpose of the Forums, which are driven and chaired by the Chief Executive of the local authority, is to act as a collaborative network and working group across the mainstream services, community and voluntary organisations, and NGOs working with International Protection Applicants, Programme Refugees and BOTP.
The combined LAITs and CIF allocation for 2025 is €21.552m.
