McEntee tells newest citizens economy would 'contract' without them 

Wellington Bota, originally from Malawi and now living in Cork, said it was a 'beautiful thing' to become a part of this society. Pictures: Gareth Chaney/Collins

The Irish economy would “contract” if it were not for the contributions of migrant workers who moved to Ireland, Justice Minister Helen McEntee said, as she welcomed Ireland’s newest citizens on International Migrants Day.

It is an early Christmas present for more than 6,000 people from 142 countries, who are becoming Irish citizens across two days of ceremonies in Dublin this week.