Migration is both a reality and a necessity for developed Western countries. Although Ireland has been relatively late to the party, we are now catching up with our peers in this regard.
The delay, however, affords Ireland an opportunity to try and avoid pitfalls encountered elsewhere, namely the marginalisation, discrimination and in some cases eventually radicalisation of some elements of the migrant community as a result of poor integration.
Key to this endeavour is having a detailed understanding of who is here, what they do and what they need. Since 2011 the Economic and Social and Research Institute has published nine monitoring reports on integration and the latest one, published last week, provides a timely update on the challenges involved.
The report finds migrants are more likely to have a third-level qualification and be employed than Irish born residents. Some 70 per cent of immigrants aged 25-34 have a third-level education, compared with 58 per cent of Irish-born people. Many, in other words, are qualified and have been attracted by Ireland’s strong jobs market to come here to seek work. Key sectors such as healthcare and hospitality are particularly reliant on migrant labour, but it also features significantly in higher-paid sectors such as technology.
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There is, however, significant variation within the overall figure depending on the geographic origin of migrants, with those coming from Asia more likely to have a qualification and be employed. Employment rates amongst African migrants have risen and unemployment rates have fallen, with both figures now similar to those of Irish-born residents.
The picture that emerges is that qualified migrants, who presumably came here legally, are making a positive contribution to the economy by filling skill gaps in various professions – nursing being an obvious example – while many of those who may have arrived unofficially are also seeking to enter the workforce and contribute.
There is little in the report to provide support to those on the fringes of the right who argue that migrants are taking jobs from qualified Irish people or sponging off the taxpayer. That will not stop them trying.
But the biggest threat to the progress made in integration over the last decade is not the populist right. It is housing. More than a third of immigrants are at risk of poverty after housing costs, compared with 19 per cent of Irish-born people. The report found housing was central to this and they were “particularly exposed” to the shortage of homes to buy and affordable rental properties, while low wages were often a factor as well.
It provides another reason, if one was needed, for the Government to make progress on addressing the housing shortage.
