Press Release 14/02/11
The Integration Centre, a non-government organisation which is committed to the integration and inclusion of people from immigrant backgrounds in Ireland, has joined forces with the ESRI in order to create the first integration monitoring report which analyses qualitative data at the national level. This report provides a mapping of the status of immigrant integration in Ireland through a detailed analysis of immigrant involvement in employment, education, social inclusion and active citizenship.
Anthony Finn, CEO The Integration Centre said “Questions regarding employment, have been to the fore this election, however links between employment, economic recovery and integration have not yet been discussed.”
Between the first quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2010, total employment in Ireland fell by 12.5%. Employment falls have been greater for non-Irish nationals, where the numbers employed fell by 30%, than for Irish nationals, where total employment fell by 9%.
“Ireland is a diverse country and needs to take advantage of the opportunities presented through diversity and integration.”
“All election candidates should publicly endorse a proactive integration agenda such as that presented by The Integration Centre which recognises the contribution of people from immigrant backgrounds to Irish society and to our future economic and social well being.”
“Innovative thought must go into shaping our business strategies for the future. Policies which strangle entrepreneurial spirit, such as the business permit scheme wherein non-EU immigrants without stamp 4 permits may not set up a business in Ireland without €300,000 upfront and employing EU-nationals, cannot continue to hamper growth unheeded.”
“Ireland is extremely lucky to have a highly skilled immigrant population, however as our report shows this resource is not being used to its full potential. According to our findings Immigrants are more likely to feel overqualified for their jobs and their perceived level of job security and satisfaction with their role is somewhat lower than that of Irish respondents.”
Employment brings with it a sense of identity, contribution to society and economic well-being. Conversely, loss of employment can be associated with poverty, psychological distress and more general social exclusion. For the health and well being of our society, unemployment needs to be combated in a targeted, intelligent way.”
-Ends-
Contact: Helena Clarke on 01 645 3088/087-6325138; 1st and 2nd Floors, 18 Dame Street Dublin 2, helena.clarke@integrationcentre.ie, www.integrationcentre.ie
Editor’s note
The Integration Centre - Connecting Communities Advancing Integration is committed to the integration and inclusion of people from immigrant backgrounds in Ireland.
The Centre specializes in planning, monitoring and advocacy at city, local, national and international levels and provides regionalized information, advice and training services. Evidence-based research influences positive change in legislation, policy and practice. We have more than 250 affiliated organisations as part of our network.