Iic Newsletter 2008-issue1

Newsletter January1, 2008

Season’s Greetings #

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Review of 2007 1. 2. 3. 4. 4. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Project “Integrating Indians” Meeting with Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Salzburg Seminar Session 440 Immigration and Integration in Ireland for Indian Nationals Project to Develop links Between Irish and Indian Students New Communities Expo 2007 ICI Research Project for the Profiling of Indian Community Integrating Ireland’s Board Mr. P. S. Raghavan, New Indian Ambassador to Ireland

HSE National Intercultural Health Strategy-2007 IIC Executive Committee (Board) Reshuffled

H. E. Ms. Mary McAleese, President of the Republic of Ireland, showing solidarity with New Irish Communities

L-R Mr. Lee Lawrence, Ms. Anna, Ms. Malcolm, H.E. Ms. Mary McAleese, Mejger and Prashant Shukla

Project “Integrating Indians” In January 2007 “Integrating Indians” project launch was organised in close cooperation with the Integrating Ireland and Griffith College Dublin along with co-operation of Minister of Justice Equality and Law Reform and Ms. Liz O’Donnell, T D, Deputy leader of Progressive Democrats, other concern government departments representatives, several Irish and international and European organisations debated the issue of coherence and the role of the Indigenous Irish community, other multicultural communities and Indian diaspora in the framework of the project. The issues of development of integration policies will continue to be part of the IIC agenda in 2008. The conference was chaired by IIC Acting Chairman Barrister Patrick Dillon Malone. 2 !

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Seminar in progress. IIC Meeting with Overseas Indian Affairs Minister A high level IIC delegation comprise with Mr. Seamus Puirseil, Chief Executive of Higher Education and Training Award Council, Ireland, Mr. Frank H.O’Conor Manager, International Education Services of Enterprise Ireland, Mr. Lewis Purser, Assistant Director, Irish Universities Association, Mr. Diarmuid Hegarty , President of Griffith College and Chairman of the Higher Education Colleges Association, Mr. Prashant Shukla, Trustee of IIC and Aparna Shukla, Secretary of the IIC calls on Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Mr.Vayalar Ravi on February04, 2007 in Four Seasons Hotel, Dublin. In the meeting delegation informed the Minister about IIC activities and its recently launched project “Integrating Indians”, delegation also discussed the various aspects of Irish-Indian cultural and economic relationship. Overseas Indian Affairs Minister informed the delegation about new measures and initiatives that are under consideration by the Government of India to further formalize educational relations with different countries including Ireland; he further informed that a specific bill is in progress to provide a legal framework for educational institutions in its operations. Minister stressed that this legislation would facilitate regulating the entry, operation and maintenance of quality assurance. The issue of NRI’s and PIO’s facing difficulties while accessing the various services and facilities from Indian embassy also discussed. The matter of difficulties of bona-fide Irish educational institutions also come up during the meeting, Minister assured the delegation specially the representatives of the Enterprise Ireland and Education Ireland for proactive solutions. Salzburg Seminar Session 440 Ireland-India Council participated and represented both Ireland and India in Salzburg Seminar for its session 440 Immigration and Inclusion: Rethinking National Identity, which was convened at Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg, Austria, March 27- April 1, 2007. The session gathered approximately 45 participants from over 20 countries, representing members of government,

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business, academia, think-tanks, media, and intergovernmental organizations. In the seminar Mr. Prashant Shukla proposed the theory of multiple identity and loyalties, a universal and realistic approach in context of Immigration and Inclusion: Rethinking National Identity. Mr. Shukla further focused on regional perspectives i.e. Indian subcontinent and emphasized the analysis of migration from villages to cities, this turning the cities into population explosion and it is also adversely affecting the agricultural productivity in India and China. Mr. Shukla spoke on the Brain-Drain and described outsourcing in present globalize world also creating opportunities for Immigration from west to east. Mr. Shukla also analyzed the Integration/ Inclusion policies within the Europe and role of media for positive awareness in the society. He described Ireland could be a model for other EU member states, while states are framing public policies on Immigration and Integration / Inclusion, there is lot to learn from Irish state and media, which contributed significantly on the development of proactive policies.

Participants in Group

Seminar in Progress

Seminar on “Immigration and Integration in Ireland for Indian Nationals” A seminar on "Immigration and Integration in Ireland for Indian Nationals" was organized in Trinity College Dublin on July 26 2007. The seminar provided a comprehensive overview on a number of issues, including the proposed Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill and the impact of the Employment Permits Act 2006 on Indian Nationals in Ireland. The Minister for Integration Policy Mr. Conor Lenihan, T D, opened the proceedings by lighting the traditional Indian lamp and expressed the state' s desire to develop Ireland as a role model on immigration and integration policies. In his speech Minister outlined comprehensive overview of Irish-Indian political, social, cultural and diplomatic relationship and Irish influence on Indian constitution. Minister also praised Irish-Indian common history and complemented each others freedom struggle and recent economic progress in both countries. Mr. Kevin O'Sullivan of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, outlined real impact to the Indian Nationals of the “Immigration, Residency and Protection Bill. Mr Sullivan also replied participant’s questions at the end of his presentation with suitable solution approach. Mr. Prashant Shukla of Ireland-India Council in his rebuttal highlighted the problems and obstacles normally Indians are facing in Ireland; The Visa processing system for Indian nationals needs to be simplified and improved in terms of speed and efficiency. A single window processing system at the Irish Embassy in India should be introduced Loopholes in the work permit system that expose economic immigrants to risk of exploitation by employers should be eliminated and human rights of work permit holders should be facilitated in the policy The welfare of Non-EU students and their contribution to the country should take precedence over material considerations. Mechanism for recognition of degrees and diplomas in both countries Engagement of the both Irish and Indian governments for an agreement to exchange the driving licences and incorporation of a system to recognise insurance history / insurance of the individuals

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Long term multiple entry visit visa for the family members of the Indian nationals living in Ireland, so that their family members freely visit in emergency or when they want to visit To recognise Indian joint family system

L-R Mr. Kevin O’Sullivan of Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform Mr. Conor Lenihan Minister of Integration Policy and Prashant Shukla of IIC

Mr. Shukla reiterates the importance of Integration to make old and new communities feel that they are the part of same society and that they can rely on democratic process and institutions. He welcomed the Government decision to appoint Integration policy Minister Mr. Conor Lenihan, TD, and appreciated Mr. Lenihan’s efforts and endeavours in this direction. To establish an integrated society is a challenge for all. We can only improve the situations in both our public and private spheres if we improve our ability to deal with emotions and take advantage of positive economic effects of multicultural society. To reach a broad consensus on a common positive vision of the future, by holding a social debate in the public sphere on multicultural society and immigration. There is further need to understand how non-immigrant indigenous Irish community see the multiculturalism. Should every community practice its own special historical celebration without responding to the old Irish cultural practices or to be more liberal to facilitate the global cultural inter-relations for the development of a new world order and civilisation?

Mr. Aki Stavrou Director of Integrating Ireland gave his presentation on “Integration is a political term or a reality?” Mr Stavrou outlined in details all the issues related with the Integration of different communities in Ireland. He also explained systematic development of Irish State towards a comprehensive Integration policy. Mr. Owen Davies, a senior solicitor at Fragomen LLP spoke about the case of Vander Elst and the practical consequences of this case to someone who is a foreign national; however has an existing work permit that was issued within the EU. The existing permit may, depending upon circumstances, entitle a foreign national to work in another EU state without obtaining work permission. This however must be examined on a case by case basis as some countries still do not recognise the importance of Vander Elst. The seminar was also addressed by the President of Asia Ireland Chamber of Commerce Mr. Eddie Reynolds, Mr. Steven Loyal of University College Dublin and Ms Katrina Cooper of Fragomen LLP. The Panelists for the Seminar came from the different backgrounds and regions of the world

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and presented to the audience with different practical experiences, insights and views both at an organisational, national and International level. They included Ms. Rebecca O’Brien of Griffith College Dublin, Mr. Fidele Mutuwarasibo of Immigrant Council of Ireland, Ms. Cherie Wright of Fragomen LLP and Ms. Charlotte Slocombe also from Fragomen LLP. About 130 participants that included employees and employers participated from all regions of the state. They represented a broad range of institutions in the public as well as private sector and brought to the conference a valuable mix of experiences and perspectives. The Seminar gave a significant impression and understanding of the many perspectives that can and should be taken into account when defining and developing immigration and Integration policies in the Ireland.

Registration in Progress

Minister Mr. Lenihan giving his interview to RTE

Project to Develop links Between Irish and Indian Students

IIC supported Loreto Secondary School, Fermoy, Co. Cork in developing their project to establish student’s links with Indian students. To facilitate the students IIC organised lectures on Indian history, Geography, economics and culture in October 2007. Students have gained a highly informed insight into the culture, economy, geography and diversity about India. Further they look forward to visit their peers in India. New Communities Expo 2007 IIC participated in new communities’ expo 19-21 October, 2007, where IIC stand attracted government departments, Irish businesses and overseas participants including large number of Indian immigrants living and working in Ireland. IIC provided them one stop shop for all the visitors, whether Irish business needs information about India or the Indian immigrants looking for the information they need to live and work in the state.

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ICI Research Project for the Profiling of Indian Community Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI) commissioned University College Dublin (UCD) researchers in early 2006 to carry out a comprehensive research on the impacts of immigration pathways on the integration patterns of people from India, China, Nigeria and Lithuania in Ireland. The researchers carried out a comprehensive survey with the members of each community (50% in Dublin, 25% in other cities and 25% in small towns and rural areas). This was followed by 20 qualitative/comprehensive interviews per community. The researchers completed the baseline survey and also analysed information from secondary sources including statistics from the Central Statistics Office and other relevant sources including Ireland-India Council. Since the beginning and conceptualisation of the project IIC Trustee Mr. Prashant Shukla involved with Immigrant Council of Ireland as the member of the steering committee on research and policy. In November 2007 a focus group interview for the Indian community was organised to respond the presentations and findings of the researchers. The Indian focus group was comprised with the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Mr. Gaurav Gupta Ms. Prerna Arya Mr. Jitindra Mittal Mr. Brijandra Bansal Mr. Praveen Kumar Mr. Jai Prakash Shukla Mr. Arun Garg

The publication of the report will take place in the early 2008 and we hope that findings of the research will not only be useful for policy makers while they formulate proactive policies for different ethnic groups but on the other hand it will also help for the profiling of Indian community in general in the state. Integrating Ireland’s Board

Mr. Prashant Shukla Trustee of the IrelandIndia Council elected from Dublin and Kildare Region to represent the communities in Integrating Ireland. Integrating Ireland is a national organisation effectively working for the social and economic integration of the Indigenous Irish community and all multicultural ethnic communities of the state. If any individual or group has any issues regarding Immigration and Integration and wish to avail advice and support on any relevant issues may contact to Mr. Shukla at Email: [email protected]

Mr. P. S. Raghavan, New Indian Ambassador His Excellency Mr. P. S. Raghavan the new Ambassador of the Republic of India presented his Letter of Credence to Her Excellency Ms. Mary McAleese, President of the Republic of Ireland on 11December, 2007. In the ceremony Ambassador Raghavan was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Barbara Raghavan, their sons Sirish and Anish Raghavan and Mr. M.C. Naithani, Minister of the Indian Embassy Dublin. Mr. Raghavan is a career diplomat, he joined Indian Foreign Services in 1979 and prior to Ambassador of India to Ireland he served as Ambassador of India to the Czech Republic.

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HSE National Intercultural Health Strategy-2007 IIC Conducted research on Indian community of Ireland for the development of the Health Services Executive (HSE) National Intercultural Health Strategy-2007 Research shows that certain diseases and health problems are more prevalent among certain ethnic and racial communities. Certain ethnic groups also show different response to different classes of drugs when compared with Caucasians. In the same way development standards of the children also varies in different ethnic groups and races. Genetic factors play an important role in drug metabolism; it may respond differently in different ethnic communities. Racial and cultural background plays a significant role to patient response to therapy, illness, disease and health care. Different cultures are using different standards of judging the individuals health. It is quite clear that culture is not only important for behavioral and communicational aspect of treatment but it has greater importance in clinical side of the treatment and its management. Therefore it is important that HSE may develop its strategy to better utilize the culture as administrative and clinical tool to fight with disease for its all inhabitants of the state. IIC Executive Committee (Board) Reshuffled The last meeting of the IIC Executive Committee was held on October 17th, 2007, in the meeting executive committee reshuffled and few more positions were created to effectively meet the demand of the services. These changes will be effective from January 1st, 2008. President Professor Louis P. F. Smith Chairman Mr. F. G. Cassidy Vice President Mr. Patrick Dillon Malone Vice President Ms. Aparna Shukla Spokesperson Ms. Rebecca O’Brien Secretary& Director Mr. Prashant Shukla Students Support Advisor Mr. Mohammed Aliuddin Community Support Advisor Mr. Jai Prakash Shukla Executive Committee Members: Mr. Hidayat Ghori Mr. MustaAli Dehnuwala Mr. Arun Aiyar Mr. Richie Daly Ms. Lisa Haers Mr. Arun Bhan For further information please visit: http://www.irelandindiacouncil.ie or contact us: [email protected] alternatively [email protected]

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