Immigration

Migration in both directions brings a broad range of skills and experience, entrepreneurship, and innovation. It enriches society, while also presenting challenges. Ireland needs a functioning migration and international protection system to ensure that human rights are vindicated, social cohesion is preserved, and labour markets can function efficiently.

The Social Democrats want to see a fair system, in which people seeking protection are treated humanely and decisions are made quickly; a rules-based system where the rules are enforced. People coming to Ireland seeking protection deserve a fair hearing, dignity in the process, and a swift decision.

We want to build a robust State-run international protection system which processes people’s claims efficiently and treats them humanely during a reasonable waiting period. The over-reliance on private provision of accommodation for migrants in recent years is an abdication of responsibility to provide State-owned and run facilities. It is also clear that more staff and resources must be provided to the International Protection Office so that applications can be dealt with efficiently and in a timely manner.

A positive outlook towards people coming here to contribute to society is important. Being an open society is a huge part of Ireland’s economic model. We are a tech and pharma hub, but can only provide the workforce those firms need because we take a positive view of inward migration. Migrants make up a disproportionately large part of the construction, food production and food services sectors. Our healthcare and social care systems would collapse without our migrant healthcare workers. Changes to the system are required to ensure these positive contributions can continue.

The fact that Ireland hasn’t been investing enough in housing or in public services for decades isn’t the fault of immigrants, and the challenges faced by existing local communities around the country are those faced by international migrants too. Ireland is capable of sustaining a much bigger population, so long as there is intelligent social planning and infrastructure investment, with a focus on community wellbeing and not on the profits of investors.

We need a more efficient asylum process. No one seeking international protection should be waiting years for a decision. There is also a need to reform aspects of employment regulations for migrants, and take measures to improve social cohesions.

Our Priorities on Immigration

We will:

• Pursue a move away from the over-reliance on private provision of accommodation (particularly hotels) to an international protection system based around state-owned and -run facilities.
• Build, as per the government White Paper, new reception and integration centres for international protection applicants.
• Refurbish state-owned vacant properties to provide emergency accommodation.
• Quadruple funding to €80 million to hire more staff and resources for the International Protection Office so that applications can be dealt with efficiently.
• Take measures to improve integration and social cohesion, including:
  • A revised and enhanced system for having qualifications and competencies recognised and accredited in Ireland
  • Better supports around English language acquisition.
  • Assistance in how Irish society and bureaucracy functions, including opening bank accounts and applying for drivers’ licences.

   

Find Out More

You can read more about our priorities on immigration in our General Election 2024 Manifesto.