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PublicationsIOM Dublin Newsletter
________________________________________________________________________ National Economic Social Council (NESC) Migration Policy report and the IOM ReportManaging Migration in IrelandLaunch: Government Buildings / Friday 22 nd September / An Taoiseach Bertie AhernOn Friday 22 September, IOM attended and participated in the launch of it’s report – Managing Migration in Ireland: A Social and Economic Analysis. The Irish Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, presided at the launch, which was organised by the National Economic and Social Council (NESC). The event was attended by a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including Government officials, leading academics, representatives of the public and private sector and other social commentators, along with media representatives. Following the Taoiseach’s speech, an address was also given by Rory O’Donnell, Director of NESC, followed by Frank Laczko, Chief of Publications for IOM Geneva. NESC had also produced it’s own report to Government, which drew upon the conclusions and recommendations presented in the IOM report.
IOM was originally commissioned in 2005 by NESC to produce a comprehensive research document which addressed the social and economic consequences of contemporary migration to Ireland, and which could be drawn upon by the Government in the shaping of future migration policy – as well as contributing to the ongoing public debate on migration. While traditionally being a country of emigration, Ireland has become a country of rapid immigration in less than ten years, attracting many migrant workers. These contemporary flows of migration, characterised by economic migrants have put Irish Government policy makers into un-chartered waters. .
Highlighting the importance of this research as a blueprint for informing policy making, An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern noted that whilst ‘the effects of migration have been largely positive’ , short term impacts are no guarantee that migration will work out well in the long run. It is broadly recognised that migration in Ireland has increased economic activity, enhanced skills and widened the range of services available for all, yet uncertainty still looms over the medium term effects and the future scale of migration.
In this respect IOM’s report addressed the socio-economic consequences of migrancy and projected Government responses in managing migration through legal provisions and a number of other mechanisms. It also addressed the validity of effective Government ‘management’ in order to ensure that there is to be equal reciprocal gains for all as a result of an efficient migrancy policy.
Three key findings of the IOM report found that
Commenting on the IOM findings for effective management of reciprocally equitable migration, An Taoiseach noted that it is important in addressing these goals that a ‘whole of government’ strategy is adopted, drawing on a range of departments and agencies to provide for a clear and inclusive policy for managing migration.
Left on its own migration is unlikely to produce equitable benefits for all so effective management and consultation is paramount. IOM demonstrated that to date this has been lacking. There is no clear lead agency for migration and few policy coordination mechanisms amongst relevant departments and bodies exist. This need for coherent management highlighted by IOM is beginning to take tangible shape in the Government’s strategy. In this respect the government is harmonising immigration services through the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) and has also enacted the Employment Permits Act 2006 which sets the legal framework for a new skills based economic migration policy.
In line with IOM’s recommendations, these measures which will be launched in 2007, aim to shift the strategy from short term migrants in unskilled sectors to drawing on long term labour migrants. To support this shift the Government is also preparing a new Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill which provides for the first time the status of ‘Long Term Residence’. Drawing on and supporting IOM findings, NESC director Rory O Donnell stated that ‘many migrants work in jobs that do not reflect their education and skills’ suggesting a adoptive strategy that would draw on and exploit skilled labour by attracting long term migrants, where traditionally Ireland had drawn on migrant labour sources from EEA countries who work in unskilled jobs
The future impacts of migration will depend on a broad range of factors, including general economic conditions and the socio-economic profile of migrants. Much will also depend on government policy and how migration is managed and Ireland will need to take a proactive approach to migration management. Migrants rights need to be protected and fostered and they should be integrated to endure equitable benefits for all. If properly managed it can bring economic growth and many other benefits and make Ireland society a more tolerant and ultimately, more resilient and adaptive one.
In concluding remarks, Bertie Ahern commenting on the report stated that “For my part and that of the Government, it provides a sound agenda for action in the development of our policies and programmes.”
Economic and Social Implications of Migration to
IOM has been awarded the contract to undertake a study of “The Economic and Social Implications of Migration to Ireland” on behalf of the National Economic and Social Council (NESC). The objective of the study is to understand the social and economic impacts of current and future migration flows, the need and scope for public intervention, and the appropriate direction of policy in relation to immigration. The study will examine public policy covering relevant areas, including entry regulations, the provision of services following arrival and policies relevant to longer-term integration of migrants such as family reunification. The study aims to develop an understanding of the factors that drive migration and its economic and social implications, in particular the effects of migration on living standards and economic growth in Ireland, as well as the wider social effects. The experiences of migrants and the effects on sending countries will also be highlighted. The key areas to be covered are:
The six-month study is being conducted by IOM’s Migration Policy and Research Department, based in Geneva, with the support of four external experts in the field of migration, social and economic policy. Two workshops, arranged by IOM Dublin, were held in April 2005, bringing together government officials, employers, trade unions, migrant associations, and public and private non-governmental organisations to discuss the costs and benefits of migration to Ireland and explore potential policies for managing the process. The researchers are drawing upon this dialogue, in-depth individual interviews with key governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, available national and international data, and their own extensive international expertise for a final 200-page report.
Full details of the publication will be announced in the near future. ________________________________________________________________________ Trafficking in Unaccompanied Minors in Ireland August 2003
The study found that Ireland had a relatively modern and comprehensive legal framework in place to prosecute suspected trafficking in children and related offences, in a range of circumstances. While there was evidence of extensive resources applied to trafficking investigations, this has not manifested itself in successful prosecutions. The legal framework for child protection in cases involving suspected trafficking or smuggling of children was also wide in scope. The report’s recommendations include improving the collection of statistical data on unaccompanied minors and trafficking and providing secure legal status for these child victims for whom no asylum claim has been made as well as ending the accommodation of child trafficking victims in adult hostels or dormitory accommodation in reception centres. Download Executive Summary in Adobe Reader (pdf) Download full Report in Adobe Reader (pdf) The report is also available from the IOM Dublin office at a price of €10. For a copy, please contact info@iomdublin.org or call (01) 87 87 900. ________________________________________________________________________ International Comparative Study of Migration Legislation and Practice April 2002 In 2001, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform commissioned IOM to undertake an international comparative study of immigration legislation and practice. A group of international experts visited Ireland in November 2001 to examine the Irish immigration system. The issues examined in the report include:
The report identifies how these issues are addressed internationally and provides an informative base for the development of Irish immigration policy. Download full Report in Adobe Reader (pdf) For a full list of IOM publications worldwide click here.
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