Social interaction and cultural exchange have been identified as fundamental mechanisms of integration by the European Union. This programme seeks to promote social and cultural interaction through events and activities.

Even though official policy in Ireland does not support the integration of persons seeking asylum, JRS Ireland believes that integration starts from the moment of arrival.

JRS Ireland runs several Intercultural activities each year.

The JRS Ireland Summer Project is an extensive programme of summer activities organised for families living in direct provision centres in Dublin city and county. Participants in the Summer Project are children and parents living in Hatch Hall, Georgian Court, Balseskin and Clondalkin Towers.  The programme includes weekly swimming sessions, arts, crafts and cookery classes and sports as well as day trips to the beach, the park, the farm, aquarium, wax museum, Funtasia, the ARK and a Family Fun Day in Mountjoy Square Park. While most of the activities were targeted at children aged between 4 and 12 years old a large group of teenagers living in direct provision had their own programme of activities including a fashion design course and trips to the cinema and bowling alley.

The JRS Ireland Integration Support Group was reformed in 2010 with funding from Dublin City Council.  The aim of the group was to promote integration by facilitating cultural exchange, education and training and encouraging asylum seekers and refugees to access local facilities.  The ISG held weekly meetings in the JRS offices and planned trips to the National Museum, the National Gallery and the Botanic Gardens as well as organising a First Aid Course with The Order of Malta.  Activities will continue until the end of the year.

The JRS Ireland Easter Egg Hunt has been running since 2006.  Thanks to our generous donors, a large collection of chocolate easter eggs are collected and distributed to children living in direct provision.  The remaining eggs are hidden in Mountjoy Square Park on Easter Sunday morning for a Easter Egg Hunt that brings together children of the local community, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.   The remainder of the day is spent playing games, running races and face painting.