Immigrant Council of Ireland

16/06/2026

Last month, participants in the Immigrant Council of Ireland Political Internship Scheme 2026 visited the Europa Experience.

Participants learned about the basics of the EU democratic system, the parliamentary decision-making process, who is involved in shaping policies, and the important role Irish citizens and politicians play in influencing EU-wide decisions.

It was a very interesting and insightful experience, and I truly enjoyed learning more about democracy and policymaking within the European Union.

16/06/2026

To mark last week’s European Pro Bono Week, we want to extend our sincere thanks to our law firm partners for their invaluable support of the Immigrant Council of Ireland through the KIND (Kids in Need of Defense) Project and also our work supporting migrant victims of domestic abuse.

Your commitment, expertise, and generosity help ensure that unaccompanied children and young people and individuals experiencing abuse receive access to legal assistance and representation when they need it most. Through your pro bono work, you are helping to protect rights, provide guidance, and create brighter futures for those navigating complex immigration challenges.

We are grateful for your partnership, and for the difference you make every day.

cox
A&L Goodbody LLP
McCann FitzGerald Fitzgerald
Matheson LLP
Dechert
DLA Piper
Simmons and Simmons
Mason, Hayes and Curran
Fieldfisher Ireland LLP

Last week, the International Protection Act 2026 came into effect, bringing significant changes to the reunification of refugee families. Your continued support will be needed more than ever.

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)
Community Foundation Ireland

15/06/2026

Breaking down barriers and building connections through football ⚽️❤️

The Immigrants Council of Ireland was delighted to lead the Show Racism the Red Card North & South project, bringing together students from Newry High School and St Joseph’s Secondary School for anti-racism workshops and football activities on both sides of the border.

Delivered in partnership with the Irish Football Association, AFC, Football Association of Ireland, Drogheda United FC, Show Racism the Red Card Ireland, and Show Racism the Red Card Scotland, the project engaged around 100 students in learning about fairness, inclusion, cooperation, and community.

Funded by the through the Shared Island Fund, this initiative combines expertise from Show Racism the Red Card Ireland and Show Racism the Red Card Scotland to create a sustainable and replicable programme for schools
across the island of Ireland.

15/06/2026

With the generous support of Pobal SSNO and in a pro bono partnership with Arthur Cox solicitors, we are hosting a series of weekly early-evening 1-hour information webinars on key issues that present to our Information Helpline every day.

Starting on Weds 17 June at 17.30
The Topic: Applying for a Change of Status
To reserve your free place, see: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/know-your-immigration-rights-applying-to-change-residence-permission-tickets-1990323679704

The series of webinars
Weds 17 June - Applying for a Change of Status
Weds 24 June - Applying for Irish citizenship by naturalisation
Weds 1 July - Applying for EU Treaty Rights as a family member of EU/EEA/Swiss national
Weds 8 July - Applying for join-family visas for non-EEA family members

To register follow the link in Bio

Check our social media weekly for the links to reserve a place for these seminars.

We look forward to seeing you then!

11/06/2026

Wear Red Day gives back. ❤️

Congratulations to St Coen’s National School in Co. Wicklow on winning a €3,000 voucher from Intersport Elverys. Every year, more school communities across Ireland come together on Wear Red Day to champion fairness, inclusion, and cultural diversity. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment continue to inspire us, showing that young people are helping to build a more welcoming Ireland for everyone.

For the second year running, Intersport Elverys proudly partnered with Show Racism the Red Card Ireland by supporting our Wear Red Day fundraising competition with generous prizes for participating schools.

We are incredibly grateful for their continued support.

❤️

09/06/2026

“You provide a shining light, giving us all hope”
These were the words President Catherine Connolly used to describe the Immigrant Council of Ireland in her speech at the 7th National Migrant Inclusion Conference President Catherine Connolly in a generous gesture took also the time to meet with staff and Board members to learn about our work, and share a moment of conversation beyond the conference stage.

At a time when protecting migrants’ rights is becoming increasingly challenging, we often look to leaders for guidance, inspiration, and moral courage. Yet President Connolly reminded us that no one can be that shining light alone. We need one another—to inspire, motivate, and help guide the collective effort to challenge injustice and create a more inclusive society.

Her remarks also highlighted that leadership takes many forms. It can be exercised through a formal position, through the work of an organisation, or through the everyday acts of courage shown by individuals who choose to stand up for what is right. President Connolly reminded us that we are all leaders in our own way. Together, we are a shining and guiding light, and our collective actions are continuously shaping the future of immigrants in Ireland.

Her speech will serve as a source of encouragement, inspiration, and direction for the work ahead.
https://president.ie/en/media-library/speeches/address-by-president-connolly-at-migrant-integration-conference

09/06/2026

“We simply could not have a functioning country without your work.” With these words, President Catherine Connolly acknowledged the contribution of migrants to Irish society, stressing the diverse economic, social, and cultural benefits migrants bring to Ireland.

In her speech at the 7th National Migrant Integration Conference, President Catherine Connolly reminded us of the importance of anti-racism as the cornerstone of any work related to protecting migrant rights and promoting inclusion. She described the implementation of the National Action Plan Against Racism 2023–2027 as “absolutely vital,” underscoring its importance in creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Furthermore, President Catherine Connolly strongly endorsed the conference goal of fostering a collective commitment to integration, diversity, and a shared sense of belonging. She reminded the audience that, given Ireland’s own history of emigration, Irish people should recognise and understand both the reasons why people leave their homes and the realities of life as migrants. However, she warned that these challenges are likely to intensify as displacement caused by conflict and war continues to grow. She therefore called on all of us to take actions to uphold and protect the international human rights framework, emphasising the importance of solidarity, inclusion, and respect for human dignity.

Her speech will serve as a source of encouragement, inspiration, and direction for the work ahead.

A link to the full speech by President Catherine Connolly.
https://president.ie/en/media-library/speeches/address-by-president-connolly-at-migrant-integration-conference

04/06/2026

With the generous support of Pobal SSNO and in a pro bono partnership with Arthur Cox solicitors, we are hosting a series of weekly early-evening 1-hour information webinars on key issues that present to our Information Helpline every day.

Starting on Weds 10 June at 17.30
The Topic: Applying for an Employment Permit
To reserve your free place, follow the link in bio

The series of webinars
Weds 10 June - Applying for an Employment Permit (for students and Graduate Scheme permit holders)
Weds 17 June - Applying for a Change of Status
Weds 24 June - Applying for Irish citizenship by naturalisation
Weds 1 July - Applying for EU Treaty Rights as a family member of EU/EEA/Swiss national
Weds 8 July - Applying for join-family visas for non-EEA family members

Check our social media weekly for the links to reserve a place for these seminars.

We look forward to seeing you then!

04/06/2026

Thank you!
The 7th National Migrations Inclusion Conference was a great success!

The Immigrant Council of Ireland team would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our panellists, speakers, and attendees for their valuable contributions. Your insights, experiences, and engagement helped create a meaningful space for discussion, learning, and the sharing of perspectives on migration and inclusion.

Together, we continue to strengthen understanding, foster inclusion, and build a more welcoming society for all.

02/06/2026

We are looking forward to this online information session tomorrow.

With the generous support of Pobal SSNO and in a pro bono partnership with Arthur Cox solicitors, we are hosting a series of weekly early-evening 1-hour information webinars on key issues that our Information Helpline receives every day.

Starting on Weds 3 June at 17.30
The Topic: The first webinar will cover Arrivals, Registration, and Renewals.

To reserve your free place, follow the link
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/know-your-immigration-rights-first-time-registration-and-irp-renewals-tickets-1990322587437

The series of webinars
Weds 10 June - Applying for an Employment Permit (for students and Graduate Scheme permit holders)
Weds 17 June - Applying for a Change of Status
Weds 24 June - Applying for Irish citizenship by naturalisation
Weds 1 July - Applying for EU Treaty Rights as a family member of EU/EEA/Swiss national
Weds 8 July - Applying for join-family visas for non-EEA family members

Check our social media weekly for the links to reserve a place for these seminars.

We look forward to seeing you then!