Mary Wallace Opens Intercultural Open Day in Dunshaughlin
Minister of State and Meath East TD Mary Wallace today opened the Dunshaughlin Intercultural Open Day. This is one of the many events that are being held around the country in celebration of World Africa Day.
At the opening the Minister said “I am delighted to be here to open this celebration today. The 2006 Census showed that over 9.7% of the population in the town of Dunshaughlin are non-Irish nationals. These new societies have enriched our society and our local communities and have brought new experiences, cultures and traditions with them
So this is an important event which brings together the diverse communities living in Dunshaughlin and the surrounding areas in a day of fun and celebration. Events like today are a great opportunity for communities to engage and interact.”
The Minister continued “Integration is a challenge for us all. At Government level, there have been a number of developments such as the appointment of the Minister for Integration, Mr Conor Lenihan T.D., in June 2007. The Minister has recently published a statement on integration and diversity management called ‘Migration Nation’
However, we all have a responsibility where integration is concerned. It is well recognised that local communities play a key role in this regard as the most effective integration takes place at a local level.”
‘Migration Nation’ is available on www.diversityireland.ie
The Minister concluded “Events such as this one today are invaluable to communities. Apart from playing a key part in facilitating integration by bringing together people of diverse backgrounds to share in the celebrations, they also provide an opportunity for people to exercise in a fun way. In my new role as Minister for Health Promotion, I am very conscious of how necessary it is for people to exercise regularly and days like today show how this can be done in a very enjoyable way. A recent study on Health and Lifestyle Behaviours in Ireland has shown that the numbers of people reported as being involved in community activities has dropped from 59% in 2002 to 55% in 2007 and I intend, as Minister for Health Promotion, to encourage people to get more active, to exercise more and to be in involved in their community”
The Minister congratulated the organisers for all their hard work and for the community leadership shown in organising this day.