Resettlement Programme in Ireland

(a) Reception and Orientation Centres (ROCs)

Upon arrival, refugees are generally accommodated in Reception and Orientation Centres (ROCs). This allows for initial orientation and assessment for access to services such as health and social welfare. Adults are provided with English language lessons and children attend primary school in the ROC and local secondary schools.

This period of time provides refugees with an opportunity to acclimatise in cultural terms, as well as to recover from trauma associated with their journey to that point. It also provides refugees with an opportunity to access necessary basic services in advance of their resettlement within the wider community.

Two ROCs are currently in operation:

• Abbeyfield Hotel, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon
• Clonea Strand Hotel, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford

In addition, there are 200 dedicated ROC places within the Mosney Village.

(b) Local authority resettlement

A key element of the IRPP ‘whole of government’ approach to integration begins with resettlement in the community.

The integration of refugees is supported through the provision of access to mainstream State services. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth funds local resettlement support teams by way of grants to local authorities. Each Support Team consists of a Resettlement Support Worker with social care and integration experience, and an Arabic-speaking Intercultural Support Worker.