Migration can enhance economic and social progress in the State, but this is not inevitable, said the Taoiseach at the presentation of new report on migration policy.
Mr Ahern was pointing to one of the main conclusions of the National Economic Social Council report, Migration Policy.
"Migration is most likely to enhance Ireland's economic and social well-being when it supports an upgrading of the economy, skills and work - and is characterised by mobility and integration, rather than segmented labour markets and social separation," he said.
In particular, Mr Ahern said, the integration of migrants is "one of the main factors determining the overall success or failure of migration."
He acknowledged that although many countries have used migrant labour to meet labour shortages, "few European countries have achieved successful long-term integration into economic, social, cultural and political life".
The report makes a number of high-level policy recommendations. First, three broad goals should inform the State's policy on migration: economic and social development, the rule of law, and the integration of migrants.
Secondly, the report proposes that migration policy should encompass labour market policies, social policies, and policies for the integration of migrants," said Mr Ahern.
Third, migration requires a "whole-of-Government" approach. "This would reflect the reality that, like many other policy issues, particularly in the social sphere, migration cuts across a range of departments and agencies," he added.
The report goes on to say: "Immigrants must be encouraged to integrate, not to confine themselves long-term to particular industries and help the country as a whole to improve its body of skills and talents".