INOU launches Foreign Language leaflets for Migrant Workers

21 Mar 2006

The Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed launched two new leaflets in six different languages aimed at migrant workers.

Funded by Comhairle, the leaflets were launched by Mr. Donal Sands, Assistant Director General of FÁS, in Dublin at Cassidy’s Hotel, Parnell Square on Friday 10th March 2006.

The leaflets, Looking for Work In Ireland and Welfare Rights for people who have become recently unemployed, have been produced in Polish, Lithuanian and Latvian. They have also been produced in electronic (PDF) format in Russian, Romanian and Portuguese (Brazilian dialect).

Mr. Eric Conroy, General Secretary INOU said, “Moving to a new country and looking for work in a place with a different language, customs and way of life can be difficult. For the first time jobseeker in Ireland, knowing how to look for work and where to find information are important”. He added: “Equally important are concerns that the Irish Social Welfare system can be particularly confusing for people who have come to Ireland to work and who may have little or no English, or familiarity with our system of welfare benefits”.

Leaflets will be distributed to Unemployed Centres, Citizens Information Centres and community sector organisations who provide front line services to migrant workers and foreign nationals.

Mr. Conroy said “the initial demand for the leaflets has far outstripped our current supply. The INOU is delighted to be able to produce this very important information to meet the needs of non-English speaking migrant workers. We hope to be able to build on the success of these leaflets in the future.”

Copies are available by contacting the INOU on 8560088 or email welfareinfo@inou.ie