Skip to main content
Nasc Migrant and Refugee Rights
  • Who we are
    • About us
    • Our history
    • Our Team
    • Governance
    • Vacancies
    • Our Funders
  • What we do
    • Advocacy Service
    • Campaigns
    • Current Projects
    • Our Achievements
    • Stories
  • Get help
    • Advocacy Service
    • Know your Rights
  • Resources
    • Know your Rights
    • Publications
    • Submissions
    • Media Centre
  • Support us
    • Donate
    • Take Action
  • News
  • Contact

News

Back to News

Minister Stanton launches new report on attitudes towards immigrants and refugees

Share
SCI report

Yesterday Minister of State for Equality, Integration and Immigration David Stanton T.D., launched a new report by Social Change Initiative Immigration and Refugee Protection in Ireland in the AV Room.

The report has been produced by the Social Change Initiative based on nationally representative polling and is being supported by migrant organisations including the Immigrant Council of Ireland, the Irish Refugee Council, Doras Luimní, Children’s Rights Alliance and Nasc, the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre.

The report is one of a suite of reports that were undertaken in France, Germany, Italy and Greece by More in Common, in partnership with the Social Change Initiative. This research forms part of a larger initiative to support effective communications for individual activists and organisations with an interest in immigration and refugee protection issues.  But it will also be of interest to those who are committed to address the current threats to open and inclusive societies.

The data on public attitudes reveals a feeling of solidarity with migrants, particularly with refugees seeking protection, is evident from the polling, with a majority of people agreeing Ireland should offer protection to people fleeing persecution. Many people also believe that increasing diversity as a result of migration has increased opportunities for everyone in Ireland. The survey also identifies areas of concern, in particular in relation to public concerns about the impact of migration. These concerns indicate the need for efforts to be put into public awareness raising campaigns alongside implementation of a strong proactive integration strategy, to ensure that negative attitudes towards migrants and refuges living in Ireland, based on mistruths and a lack of information, do not perpetuate.

Image removed.

Immigration and Refugee Protection in Ireland headline findings include:

  • 74% agree no child should grow up undocumented in Ireland (only 5% disagreed)
  • Three in five (60% of) survey respondents agree that people living in Ireland for a long time should be able to become citizens (just 15%disagree)
  • 70%of survey respondents believe refugee and asylum seeking children should have equal access to education and training
  • Two-thirds(66%) agree everyone should be treated fairly when the Government is making laws
  • The Irish describe their country as welcoming,optimistic, tolerant and open. There is strong support for values such as‘fairness’ and ‘compassion’.
  • Only 23% of people questioned whether increasing diversity as a result of immigration increased opportunities for everyone living in Ireland
  • Seven in 10 agreed with the statement “If I were from another country and fleeing terrible circumstances, I would want Ireland to offer me protection”.
  • Only seven per cent disagreed.Strong agreement (74% with only 5% disagreeing)with statement: ‘no child should grow up undocumented’. There is also strong support for access to education for refugee children, alongside a general sense children and their families should be prioritised by State policies.

The joint statement issued on the launch of the report is available here. 

The report is available for download here. 

 

Related news

Recruiting: Ukraine Response Information and Outreach Officer

January 18, 2023
Read more

CLOSED: Policy Officer (Annual Triparite Consultations on Resettlement)

September 16, 2022
Read more

Nasc, Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre holding event for people hosting refugees in their homes

July 11, 2022
Read more

Nasc, Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre have been awarded €70,000 from the Toy Show Appeal grants for 2022 by the Community Foundation of Ireland.

June 14, 2022
Read more

Get involved. Sign up for emails.

Subscribe

Follow us

Get help

Main navigation

  • Who we are
    • About us
    • Our history
    • Our Team
    • Governance
    • Vacancies
    • Our Funders
  • What we do
    • Advocacy Service
    • Campaigns
    • Current Projects
    • Our Achievements
    • Stories
  • Get help
    • Advocacy Service
    • Know your Rights
  • Resources
    • Know your Rights
    • Publications
    • Submissions
    • Media Centre
  • Support us
    • Donate
    • Take Action
  • News
  • Contact

34 Paul Street, 1st Floor
Cork City, T12 W14H
Get directions
Phone: (021) 427 3594
Mail: info@nascireland.org

Charities Regulator No. 20043612                

Registered Charity No. CHY13752

Registered Company No. 335227

Donate