Integration of immigrants - A positive experience

THE great wave of immigration into Ireland over the past decade has largely been a positive experience.

Today’s survey confirms this as more than half of the people questioned — 54% — regarded it as a good thing, while only 33% saw it as having any negative impact.

However, two-thirds of voters want immigration restricted. Almost 60% think the Government is not doing enough to integrate the new Irish.

This period of immigration coincided with a period of unprecedented wealth, opportunity and nearly full employment. As everyone knows, those circumstances no longer apply and as unemployment levels rise there is a potential for tension. Our attitude towards immigrants may be about to face a sterner test than before.

Let us hope we pass it.