Immigrants earn far less than Irish workers

NEWCOMERS to Ireland were earning significantly less than Irish citizens last year, according to figures released yesterday.

Researchers found Irish people earned the highest hourly rates at €19.86 an hour, while immigrants from eastern Europe earned on average the lowest at €11.52 an hour, which is €8.34 or 42% less.

The rates, compiled by the Central Statistics Office, were based on research carried out 21 months ago in March 2006.