New Reports Show Immigration Has Been Positive For Ireland

Migrant labour has increased economic activity, enhanced skill and widened the range of service available.  However, these positive short-term effects are no guarantee that migration will work out well in the long run.

NESC published an independent review of Ireland's migration policy as well as its own recommendations to government.  Both reports argue that Ireland needs to develop more coherent migration and integration policies if it is to continue to benefit from immigration.

The review, Managing Migration in Ireland: A Social and Economic Analysis, was commissioned by NESC from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), an inter-governmental organisation with 118 member states, including Ireland, which conducts migration management activities throughout the world.

"The potential for immigration to generate adverse labour market impacts is likely to increase significantly during a economic downturn," the international experts warn.

"The Irish government should, therefore, develop an explicit policy statement that provides guidance for employers, unions and civil society regarding immigration."

In its report, Migration Policy, NESC makes several key recommendations to government.  The integration agenda now needs to be mainstreamed in the main service-delivery departments.  It urges steps to prevent low-skilled migrants being trapped in low-paying and vulnerable positions.

"The success or failure of migration depends on how well the labour market works for both migrants and Irish citizens", NESC says.  It proposes that the social partners be consulted on whether to open the Irish labour market to Bulgarians and Romanians, when those countries join the EU.