Why is ISAS needed?
Historically the Irish have been an almost invisible ethnic minority group, even though some of its members suffer from problems often found in migrant communities. As a consequence, the Irish have often been overlooked by both statutory and voluntary services, and this was why ISAS, and comparable services elsewhere in Britain, were established. They all endeavour to ensure that vulnerable Irish people who were not getting the assistance they needed could get help within their community. When people come to ISAS, they appreciate finding advisers who know about Ireland and understand the experience of Irish migrants. Research shows that Irish people in England • have worse health than the Irish in Ireland; • have exceptionally high rates of cancer, heart disease, fatal accidents and suicide; • have higher than normal rates of mental illness and social disadvantage; • are very likely to live in isolation or be homeless. The problems, then, are considerable and evident, and ISAS works in
