Economic benefit of migrants not utilised: report

The potential of migrants to boost the economy is not being tapped into and may actually be harmed due to Government policies, according to a report co-written by economist Jim Power.

The report, published by the Integration Centre, claims that, instead of being viewed as a benefit to the country, migrants are often seen as a problem or a potential drain on resources.

Mr Power, who is also an Irish Examiner columnist, and co-author Peter Szlovak, said that many migrants also felt isolated from the political system, with Mr Power claiming: “Many would feel the Government is for the Irish, rather than the whole lot.”