Exploratory research into the support worker’s perceptions of the integration experiences of Ukrainian refugees in Ireland 

Supervisor: Dr. Rachel Hoare, Director of Centre for Migration Studies, Trinity College Dublin

Background

While the arrival of immigrants to Ireland is a contemporary phenomenon, the recent Russian invasion of the Ukraine has led to a significant increase in refugees arriving in the country. Although some Ukrainian nationals entering Ireland seeking shelter and humanitarian assistance are welcomed by many, some have also experienced discrimination and lack of support, making their adaptation to Irish society and culture a complex experience.

Outline

The purpose of the research is to gather relevant and comprehensive data about support worker’s perceptions of the integration experiences of Ukrainian refugees in Ireland. The participants of the research will be 12 different experts involved in a different area of integration: language, mental health/trauma care, basic services access, discrimination and racism, cultural separation, Irish government support, education/employment, children integration, etc. for example. 6 of them will participate in a focus group while the other 6 will be individually interviewed.

Impact

The research proposal was presented to a representative of the NGO Ukrainian Action. Within the organisation they are constantly searching for collected data about the experience of Ukrainian refugees in Ireland. They requested to be able to use the results of this project in their work. This not only provides justification for the research process but also a purpose. I believe it could contribute to a wider effort to make Ukrainian refugees integration in Ireland a better experience.

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