The integration of immigrants need not come at the expense of their own cultures, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has said.
Éamon Ó Cuív said: "Integration is important but one of the things we have to avoid is [ the idea] that everyone has to be the same. Cultures are not mutually exclusive." The cultural contribution of Nigerians and other immigrant communities was "enriching and positive".
He was speaking yesterday at the launch of the Nigerian Association of Ireland, a representative body for Nigerians living here.
"Throughout the world, immigrants are faced with the twin challenges of integrating into their host country's society, while at the same time cherishing their native culture. Organisations such as the NAI help both the immigrant and the State to rise to these challenges and move forward in partnership and co-operation," Mr Ó Cuív said.
The association was set up by a group of Nigerians living in Dublin to promote their positive role and to counteract stereotyping and "institutional racism".
Nigerians are the largest African community in the State. In 2002 there were 5,766 officially living and working here.
