ESRI says 'no systematic difference' in welfare receipt rates between immigrants and Irish-born

Immigrants in Ireland overall make 'positive fiscal contribution, fully financing their share of public services'

A new report by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) shows there is "no overall evidence" of systematic difference in welfare receipt rates between immigrants and Irish‑born people in Ireland. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

A new report by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) shows there is "no overall evidence" of systematic difference in welfare receipt rates between immigrants and Irish‑born people in Ireland. 

The report, entitled Social transfers utilisation among migrants and Irish-born in Ireland, analysed data from the Central Statistics Office to assess whether immigrants in Ireland were more or less likely to be in receipt of social welfare payments compared to Irish-born people. The report found no general pattern of immigrants being more likely to be in receipt of welfare, with the differences "generally small".