THE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms Joan Burton, opened an office and community centre for Ireland's 550 member Bosnian community in Dublin yesterday.
Speaking at the Pearse Street premises, Ms Burton said all Bosnians who had come to Ireland in recent years were welcome to stay.
"In the context of the Dayton agreement there will be people who want to return to Bosnia," she said. "But some have their children in school here now, some have obtained employment and put down roots, and they are very welcome to stay."
The Pearse Street premises will be the headquarters of the Bosnian Community Development Project. The project helps Bosnian refugees get skills needed to obtain employment.
It provides a focus for Bosnian community activities, and aims to help Bosnians play a more active role in the Irish community.
The project has a staff of 14, including 13 Bosnians. A FAS Community Employment Scheme partly funds staff costs, with additional funding coming from the Department of Social Welfare, the EU Horizon Programme and the Refugee Agency.
The project has carried out a survey of the Bosnian community in Ireland to identify what training, social and cultural activities and community services they need. A Bosnian newsletter has been established and cultural and social activities organised.