The Irish Local Development Network (ILDN), representing Ireland’s 49 Local Development Companies (LDCs) have today (Friday) welcomed publication of the Government White Paper to End Direct Provision and Establish a New International Protection Support Service.
Commenting on the publication, ILDN CEO Joe Saunders said; “today’s publication of the Government White Paper establishing a new International Protection Support Service marks an important juncture in the process of ending direct provision. We welcome the publication of this document having engaged with the consultation process.”
The new approach to supporting communities within the new International Protection Support Services envisages an important role for Local Communities, employment activation supports and the Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme. Mr Saunders stated; “it is encouraging to note that many of the important services our Local Development Companies provide in Communities including employment supports, but crucially the Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) are seen as important elements of the support services that will be central to the implementation of this White Paper. ILDN and its members in the Local Development Sector provide considerable support to communities in Direct Provision over the years and stand ready to play a structured role in the delivery of the identified supports in the new International Protection Support Service.”
