Kerry County Council is to create two new posts to help International Protection applicants better integrate into local communities.

At a meeting of the Kerry Community Response Forum on Wednesday Minister of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, said that there has been a very significant response from the people of Kerry to support families and individuals fleeing war and in need of sanctuary.

The meeting was a positive and constructive one in which State agencies and community organisations raised both their experiences and concerns with Minister O’Gorman, according to Minister Norma Foley.

Minister O’Gorman confirmed to the meeting that two new posts are being sanctioned for Kerry County Council and resourced by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

"These posts are being provided to support the work of community response and integration in the county," Minister Foley said.

"Minister O’Gorman commended the forum on their sterling work and expressed his appreciation for having the opportunity to engage directly with them regarding the specific experiences and issues in the county."

Meanwhile at next Monday's full Kerry County Council meeting, Cllr Maura Healy Rae is going to ask an important but decisive question about the town's long term future.

She will ask: "On behalf of the members that we write to An Taoiseach and the relevant Ministers regarding the number of asylum seekers and refugees that are currently in Killarney. What is the long term plan regarding their accommodation and how will the Government ensure there won’t be negative implications for the tourism sector once the season begins".