Nearly 50 per cent of people believe Irish society is racist and over 20 per cent have witnessed incidents of racism, according to a survey published this afternoon.
The survey, carried out on behalf of Know Racism, a Government-funded organisation that campaigns against racism, shows that 48 per cent of the 1,200 people polled thought Irish society was racist to some degree.
It also found that a majority of 51 per cent believed immigrants were "taking jobs from the Irish" while 38 per cent viewed their contibution to the economy in a negative light.
Know Racism said the survey revealed interaction between different ethnic groups was vital to combatting negative attitudes and singled out the school and work environments as the most beneficial places to generate greater tolerance.
It found that one in five Irish people have witnessed racism with most incidents occurring either in a recreational or work environment.
Speaking at the launch of the results, Mr Phillip Watt said there now needs to be a "joined up approach" to tackling racism throughout the country and said the organisation's work would now focus on the National Action Plan Against Racism, due to be launched later this year.
He also said the research reinforced previous studies which have revealed that most negative perceptions are based on misinformation or hearsay.
"These results confirm the link between non-interaction and negative perceptions. Those questioned who have had limited experience of ethnic minorities appear to be more likely to have a negative stance towards their presence here.
"Many of their views are based on rumour and hearsay and the qualitative research carried out seems to point to the fact that the myths that have built up around ethnic minorities are fuelling a negative reaction towards them."
When asked about ethnic groups 66 per cent people questioned believed "anyone should be allowed to live in the Ireland if they work and pay their taxes," with 40 per cent acknowledging that "ethnic groups living in this country make a positive contribution to Irish society."