The expansion of the European Union has led to an increasing influx of immigrants from Eastern Europe to an Ireland currently enjoying its third decade of unprecedented economic growth. The influx has been so dramatic that immigrants have gone from making up about 1 per cent of the population 10 years ago to approximately 10 per cent at present.
However, it seems that Ireland is becoming concerned at the rate of influx. Earlier this month An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, said that he believed migration to Ireland couldn't continue at its current rate if the country is to integrate successfully the thousands of migrants anxious to grasp the opportunities its present economic boom offers.
An Taoiseach said:
"Could it continue to develop from 10 to 20 per cent? No it can't. In one way or other as the economy moderates so immigration has to moderate so we can get integration right."
The issue has led to considerable debate particularly on internet forums with protagonists taking strong lines for and against. In a recent internet discussion board there were a number of impassioned pleas from those on both sides of the matter.
One thing is clear however Ahern's intervention signals that Ireland's policy towards migrants will change and new work permit laws have already been introduced covering migrant workers from the two most recent accession countries Bulgaria and Romania.
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
13/05/07
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