Public attitudes to immigration are generally positive in this society, having regard to the recent economic crash, high unemployment and the pressure on public services. But concerns that the education system has not adapted sufficiently to the needs of immigrant children persist. Recognition of the positive contribution migrants make to Irish life is very welcome, given Ireland's rapid transition from monoculture to a multi-racial society. As the Celtic Tiger collapsed, in 2008, some eleven per cent of the workforce had been born abroad and social pressures were beginning to show. At that time, a significant majority believed immigration had been good for Ireland but a sizable number worried whether the education and health services, in particular, could cope. Since then, those concerns have lessened even as attitudes towards migrants have grown less positive.
Xenophobic tendencies are developing elsewhere in Europe and they should not be permitted to flourish here. As a people with a history of mass emigration we should remember the horror of the coffin ships and the difficulties experienced by undocumented Irish in the United States. It puts into context the thousands of migrants who drown each year while crossing the Mediterranean. We have a moral duty, not just to save lives at sea but to share with other EU member-states the burden of providing safe and humane havens for families and individuals fleeing war and hunger. Our existing provisions, involving direct provision centres, minimal subsistence payments and a denial of work, fall short. Those issues should be addressed in forthcoming legislation.
A survey by Amarach Research has charted a gradual hardening of attitudes towards immigrants during the past seven years. At the same time, nearly two-thirds of those questioned believe the Government is not doing enough to facilitate their integration into society. And a majority favours giving work visas to skilled non-EU migrants. A lack of language skills is regarded as the primary stumbling block to employment and a barrier to integration.
Warning signals were identified. A more restrictive immigration policy is broadly favoured, but the demand for a draconian Government response has weakened since 2008. Back then, immigrant children were being denied access to Catholic primary schools in Dublin. The resulting scandal brought some change, but not enough. Non-denominational schools now have too great a preponderance of immigrant children and insufficient teaching resources. Cultural differences deserve to be cherished and celebrated, but integration is also necessary if society is to function in a equitable manner. Segregation and discrimination go hand in hand. As Ireland emerges from recession we should learn from past mistakes.