Comparing migrant integration in Ireland and Northern Ireland

Abstract

The mission of the Economic and Social Research Institute is to advance evidencebased policymaking that supports economic sustainability and social progress in Ireland. ESRI researchers apply the highest standards of academic excellence to challenges facing policymakers, focusing on 12 areas of critical importance to 21 st Century Ireland.The Institute was founded in 1960 by a group of senior civil servants led by Dr T.K. Whitaker, who identified the need for independent and in-depth research analysis to provide a robust evidence base for policymaking in Ireland.Since then, the Institute has remained committed to independent research and its work is free of any expressed ideology or political position. The Institute publishes all research reaching the appropriate academic standard, irrespective of its findings or who funds the research.The quality of its research output is guaranteed by a rigorous peer review process. ESRI researchers are experts in their fields and are committed to producing work that meets the highest academic standards and practices.The work of the Institute is disseminated widely in books, journal articles and reports. ESRI publications are available to download, free of charge, from its website. Additionally, ESRI staff communicate research findings at regular conferences and seminars.The ESRI is a company limited by guarantee, answerable to its members and governed by a Council, comprising 14 members who represent a cross-section of ESRI members from academia, civil services, state agencies, businesses and civil society. The Institute receives an annual grant-in-aid from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to support the scientific and public interest elements of the Institute's activities; the grant accounted for an average of 30 per cent of the Institute's income over the lifetime of the last Research Strategy. The remaining funding comes from research programmes supported by government departments and agencies, public bodies and competitive research programmes.

Gender and labour market inclusion on the island of Ireland

“…Employment rates among migrants are generally high in both Ireland and Northern Ireland, though lower among non-EU migrants, many of whom come to the island to study, join family or in some cases, seek international protection. Job quality is lower than the native-born population among East European migrants in both jurisdictions(McGinnity et al, 2023). Both in recruitment and allocation of jobs, evidence suggests that multiple factors play a role, including recognition of foreign qualifications and discrimination.…”

“…Migration is another important factor in population change. While both Ireland and Northern Ireland have seen substantial inward migration in the past 20 years, the proportion of migrants is considerably higher in Ireland (McGinnity et al, 2023) Finally, employment patterns will be affected by the general health of the population in terms of the numbers out of employment because of long-term illness or disability and the prevalence of early retirement. Poorer health levels among older age groups will also have consequences for the potential care burden of the working-age population.…”