"We have five years to get it right. We will develop a social policy framework on integration in the next three years. I don't believe migrant issues will diminish and many are here to stay. . . The success of my ministry will be to make people feel comfortable with migration, " the minister with responsibility for integration told the Sunday Tribune.

Political parties and trade unions must address the lack of involvement of foreign nationals in these organisations, he added.

The FAI and GAA have made efforts to involve new communities in sports and other organisations should follow their lead, he said.

"I don't think any political party has come to terms with this issue. There is a lack of membership of minority groups in political parties and unions. They should have core funding to develop that work."

At midday today, Lenihan will announce details of his proposal for a task force on integration.