Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration visits Ireland

On 5 and 6 May 2007, Latvian Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Mr Oskars Kastens, visited Ireland, where he opened the new web page www.baltic-ireland.ie and met with Latvians living in Ireland. Present at the opening of the web page were also the Latvian Ambassador to Ireland, Mr Indulis Abelis, and representatives of the Latvian Association in Ireland.

On 6 May the Latvian Integration Minister met with Latvians, who live in Ireland, to inform them about issues discussed in the working group on how to facilitate  Latvian emigrant return to their homeland and to listen to their opinion about the possible return to Latvia.

The new internet portal www.baltic-ireland.ie provides information on social life, laws and recreation in Ireland, as well as current events and activities organised by the Latvian associations in Ireland and other issues. In his opening address Mr Kastens emphasized that the overall information is in a great mess which it is hard to comprehend because everything is so varied and comprehensive; therefore, it is important to remember and maintain a link to the place where you come from – your homeland.