EU affects on migration

Question 1

How has Ireland’s membership in the EU influenced migration patterns?

Answer 1

• Ireland allowed unrestricted immigration from the new EU-10
• Over 85,000 workers from the new EU states became Irish residents between 2004-2005, marking a dramatic increase in immigration.
• By 2005, Ireland’s proportion of foreign-born residents (10.4%) exceeded the UK’s (8.3%).
• The Irish government’s 2006 policy low-skilled workers from the EU 25,
• A 2006 NESC report suggested that migration contributed to Ireland’s low unemployment, enhancing its competitiveness within the EU.

(FANNING, 2010)

Question 2

What impact has EU free movement had on migration to Ireland?

Answer 2

• Ireland allowed unrestricted immigration from the new EU-10 member states in 2004, alongside the UK and Sweden.
• Over 85,000 workers from the new EU states became Irish residents between 2004-2005, marking a dramatic increase in immigration.
  – A 2006 NESC report suggested that migration contributed to Ireland’s low unemployment, enhancing its competitiveness within the EU.

Question 3

In what ways has Brexit influenced migration between UK and Ireland?

Answer 3

Common Travel Area (CTA): Irish and UK citizens still enjoy unrestricted movement, but EU citizens no longer have free movement between the UK and Ireland.

Northern Ireland Protocol: Northern Ireland remains aligned with some EU rules, allowing free movement of goods between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, but creating complex immigration rules for people traveling between the two.

Impact on Migration: Non-Irish EU citizens may face more restrictions when moving between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, disrupting previous ease of movement.

Question 4

What are the main countries of origin for EU migrants to Ireland?

Answer 4

Poland, over 100,000 live in Ireland

Question 5

What are the challenges of EU migration for Ireland’s public services and housing sector?

Answer 5

• Rental Market: High percentage of households headed by non-Irish immigrants renting privately adds pressure to the rental market, affecting prices and availability.
  Increased Demand on Public Services:
• Healthcare: Higher population requires more resources for hospitals and primary care.
• Education: Increased school-aged children necessitate more teachers and resources.
• Social Welfare: Growing population places higher demand on welfare services, especially during economic downturns.
• Integration Services: Greater diversity requires resources for language support and intercultural services, though political commitment was lower than in other EU countries.

Question 6

What are the benefits of EU migration for Ireland’s public services and housing sector?

Answer 6

Labor Market Contribution:

Filling Vacancies: EU migrants filled crucial vacancies in sectors like hospitality, factory production, and childcare.

**Economic Growth*8: Immigration contributed to the “Celtic Tiger” and sustained economic growth, indirectly benefiting public services.

Increased Labor Force Participation: EU migrants had high participation rates in the labor market.

*8More Resilient and Adaptive Society:**
Ongoing immigration may make Irish society more resilient and better equipped to handle future challenges in public services and housing.

Question 7

How has the EU’s policies on non-EU immigration affected Ireland’s approach to asylum seekers and refugees?

Answer 7

EU Influence on Ireland’s Asylum and Refugee Policies

• Alignment with “Fortress Europe”: Ireland participates in restrictive EU border policies, which have contributed to refugee deaths in the Mediterranean.
• Emphasis on Deterrence: Irish policies discourage non-EU migration, mirroring broader EU efforts to prevent irregular migration.
• Bureaucratic Classification & Differential Rights: Ireland categorizes asylum seekers, refugees, and economic migrants differently, reflecting EU immigration structures.
• Distinction Between “Deserving” and “Bogus” Refugees: Political and media discourse mirrors European debates about legitimate asylum claims.
• Economic Cost-Benefit Approach: Ireland, like other EU states, evaluates migration primarily through economic impacts rather than humanitarian considerations.
• Direct Provision System: Established in 2000, it restricts asylum seekers’ rights, echoing EU approaches to managing asylum claims.
• Failures of the International Protection Office (IPO): Lengthy processing times and bureaucratic inefficiencies worsen asylum seekers’ experiences.
• Homelessness Among Asylum Seekers: Due to accommodation shortages, many asylum seekers are left without housing, exacerbating social challenges.
• Preference for EU Migrants: Post-2004, Ireland prioritized EU workers over non-EU migrants, reinforcing EU-driven labor migration patterns.

Ireland’s asylum policies align with broader EU migration controls, emphasizing deterrence, economic interests, and restricted rights for non-EU migrants.