Invisible People: The Integration Support Needs of Refugee Families Reunified in Ireland (2020)
'Invisible People' was authored by Dr Karen Smith, Dr Muireann Ní Raghallaigh, Dr Derina Johnson and Azad Izzeddin on behalf of Nasc. The report highlights the many challenges faced by reunified families, including significant barriers to accessing housing and a high risk of homelessness, as well as difficulties accessing other essential services. It highlights significant unmet support needs which are likely to hinder integration into Irish society.
In total, the report makes 36 recommendations, including the amendment of the International Protection Act, 2015 to provide for greater family reunification rights, the provision of Integration Support and Intercultural Workers to support reunified families after arrival in Ireland and the upskilling of mental health service providers to ensure that their work is cognisant of the experience of reunified families.
The research was funded through the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.
