Organisations providing educational and language services to asylum-seekers remain critical of Government policy on the integration of refugees. The 9,767 asylum-seekers awaiting a decision on their application are entitled to State benefits, but adults are not entitled to language classes until they achieve refugee status.
Language difficulties and accommodation are the two main barriers to integration, according to the African Refugee Network.
Volunteer teachers at the Vincentian Refugee Centre provide classes adjacent to St Peter's Church, Phibsboro, and also visit the homes of families for lessons.
One World Society, a voluntary organisation consisting of students and lecturers from Dublin City University, provides classes three evenings a week at the Spirasi Centre on North Circular Road.
The initiative announced by the Government to invest £1 million in a public awareness campaign to promote further integration has been welcomed by the voluntary organisations as a step in the right direction.