The progress of Bosnian refugees in the Republic shows how the human spirit can triumph over adversity and the trauma of war, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms Liz O'Donnell, said yesterday.
Ms O'Donnell was hosting a reception in Iveagh House for 172 Bosnians who recently received Irish citizenship. She also welcomed a Government grant of £80,000 towards the purchase of the Bosnian Community Development Project building in Pearse Street, Dublin.
"Many of you have endured trauma and physical injury before coming to Ireland as refugees." She also told her guests 10 "special case" families are to be admitted into the State annually under a UNHCR programme for the resettlement of vulnerable persons.