The Minister for Integration, David Stanton, TD has welcomed the success of
yesterday’s Open Day at Mosney.
“I am delighted that the Open Day at Mosney was such a success. This is the
culmination of a lot of hard work by residents, community groups, State
providers, the centre management and the RIA. I was sorry to miss the day
but duties here in Geneva took precedence,” Minister Stanton said. “I am
very pleased that Judge McMahon experienced the day and got to see the
changes that have taken place. This event is building on the success of
other Open Days already held in other accommodation centres throughout the
country. I hope we will have many opportunities to acknowledge the range of
supports open to residents in accommodation centres” Minister Stanton
added.
The Open Day arose from a meeting of the Friends of the Centre Group at
Mosney, an initiative that grew from the McMahon Report. The residents at
Mosney were particularly enthusiastic to share all the initiatives
currently going on at the centre. Yesterday they showcased linkages to many
State supports, local sports groups voluntary groups, many of whom provide
on-site services. They participated in vibrant, colourful displays of dance
and music representing the many nationalities at Mosney, Some residents had
their own stands including the very successful Foróige group who have
participated in and won awards at National level.
Groups that regularly interact with asylum seekers at this and other
centres, hosted interactive stands at the Open Day. The Garda Mounted, Dog
and Air Support Units along with the RSA provided outdoor displays. There
were plenty of fun activities for children - many balloon swords and
painted faces were to be seen.
Mosney management and the Department of Justice and Equality acknowledge
the extraordinary response of community groups and the many State and local
service providers for their ongoing support to residents and their
participation in this and other previous Open Days held at other centres
throughout the State.
Notes For Editors:
McMahon Report: “Working Group to Report to Government Working Group on
the Protection Process on Improvements to the Protection Process, including
Direct Provision and Supports to Asylum Seekers” Final Report June 2015.
The progress reports on the McMahon Report are available on the Department
of Justice and Equality website at www.justice.ie
Mosney Participants included:
1. An Garda Síochána showcasing Garda vehicles, motorbikes, the Horse
Unit, Dog Unit and…the Garda Helicopter (subject to operational use)
2. Road Safety Authority with 50ft Shuttlebus simulator and the 30ft
Rollover simulator – car, motorbike, cycling simulators and rules of
the road interactive learning and fun for young and old
3. Meath County Fire & Rescue Service with Fire Engine and support
vehicles
4. Boyne Fishermen’s Rescue and Recovery Service with jeep, van and
rescue boat
5. Irish Heart Foundation with 2 nurses offering free health checks at
the event
6. Scouting Ireland recreated a Scout campsite on the day
7. Balbriggan Cricket Club with free cricket trials and demonstrations
8. Drogheda Port Company and Sail Training Ireland with opportunities to
become a crew on a voyage!
9. Louth & Meath Volunteer Centre with lots of opportunities to
volunteer at local events
10. Mosney Beauty Salon with free make up tips and application
11. New Generation Gym with free class and fitness workshops
12. Meath County Council
13. National Screening Service
14. Irish Wheelchair Association
15. Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC)
16. Mabuhay Pre-School
17. The Daughters of Charity
18. Meath County Library Service
19. Columbans Ireland
20. Samaritans
21. Money Advice Bureau (MABS)
22. Citizens Information
23. Youth Work Ireland
24. Foróige
25. Gaisce – The President’s Award
26. Cultúr Migrants Centre
27. Dublin City University (DCU)
28. LMETB Louth Meath Education Training Board
29. Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre
30. NECRET (Fundraising Body of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital)
31. RAMSI (Refugee and Migrant Solidarity Ireland)
32. New Communities Partnerships (NCP)
33. Mosney Girls Club
34. Mosney Homework Club
35. SARI (Sport Against Racism Ireland)
36. Welcoming Refugees Group (WRG)
37. C&S Prince of Peace Parish
38. HSE Mental Health Services
39. HSE Community Nursing
40. Maternity Unit, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda
41. St. Brigid’s School Completion Programme
42. Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation
43. Sheep Thrills Textile Group
44. Brendan the Magician performing an exciting magic show for the
children
45. Michael Gerrard of LMFM playing current chart hits throughout
the event