Migrant issues minor for TDs

DÁIL members have admitted they seldom speak out on issues relating to migrants and their rights because it will not win them any votes, a survey shows.

The Millward Brown Lansdowne survey, commissioned by The One Foundation, found just 4% of TDs felt speaking up for migrants would have a positive effect on electoral support.

By contrast, 36%, thought raising issues on behalf of migrants would negatively effect their vote-winning capability.

The survey also found that almost two thirds of respondents encountered racist sentiments while canvassing in the last general election.

In addition, just one in five TDs questioned made specific attempts to target votes from naturalised Irish in the and 31% believed immigration would become a contentious issue in future elections.

Despite the lack of focus in campaigning on migrant issues, many of the TDs questioned said they felt benefit could be derived from migrant links with their countries of origin.

About 73% said potential trade links that immigrants have with their home countries are under-utilised while a similar percentage said immigrants have an important role to play in the recovery for our economy.

Almost two thirds of those questioned said they believed immigrants skills were underused in Ireland.

The questions for the survey were designed in part by the Integration Centre. Its chief executive, Killian Forde, said: “The results show that politicians believe that immigrants are a potential resource to aid in Ireland’s recovery, that their skills sets are not being utilised, and they receive inadequate support.

“Despite most TDs encountering racism while canvassing in the most recent general election, only a minority have spoken out in favour of immigrants and more than a third believe their constituents would punish them at the polls for doing so.”

He said there was a need to roll out integration strategies and to appoint a junior minister with responsibility for these issues.