New research from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) reveals that foreign-born residents in Ireland are more likely to be employed, actively engaged in the labour market, and better educated than their Irish-born counterparts. The findings, detailed in the latest Monitoring Report on Integration, offer a comprehensive comparison of migrant and Irish-born experiences across key areas such as employment, education, social inclusion, and active citizenship. Jointly published by the ESRI, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and the Department of Justice, the report underscores both the contributions of migrants and the significant hurdles they continue to face.
The report, part of an ongoing series tracking migrant integration in Ireland, underscores the vital role foreign-born residents play in the nation’s economy and society while highlighting systemic barriers that continue to hinder their full inclusion. As Ireland navigates these dynamics, the ESRI’s findings provide a critical evidence base for shaping equitable and effective policy responses.
Employment and Labour Market Trends
The report highlights that migrants have consistently outperformed Irish-born residents in employment and labour market participation since 2022. Employment rates for foreign-born individuals have rebounded strongly since dipping to levels comparable to the Irish-born population during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. However, despite their higher workforce engagement, migrants earn lower incomes on average and are more vulnerable to poverty and deprivation, with 14.5% affected compared to 11% of Irish-born residents.Housing Cost Disparities
One of the most striking findings is the disproportionate burden of housing costs on migrants. The ESRI notes that 37% of foreign-born residents spend over 30% of their income on housing, a figure that dwarfs the 9% seen among Irish-born individuals. Describing this disparity as "particularly stark," the report signals an urgent need for targeted policy interventions to address the housing crisis impacting migrant communities.Educational Attainment
Education, a critical indicator of integration, also shows migrants surpassing Irish-born residents. Between 2021 and 2023, 59% of working-age foreign-born individuals held tertiary education qualifications, compared to 42% of their Irish-born peers. However, educational attainment varies widely by region of origin. Migrants from eastern EU countries reported the lowest rate at 38%, while those from Asia achieved the highest at 79%.Self-Employment and Political Engagement
In 2024, self-employment rates (excluding agriculture) remained higher among Irish-born residents (10.3%) than foreign-born residents (8.4%). Notable exceptions include migrants from the UK (15.3%) and North America, Australia, and Oceania (15.5%), who exceeded the Irish-born rate. Politically, migrant participation is on the rise, with the number of immigrants running for and winning seats in the 2024 local elections doubling since previous cycles—though representation remains modest at 2.2% of councillors.Opportunities and Challenges Ahead
Evan Carron-Kee, co-author of the report, emphasized the dual nature of the findings. "Recent positive developments in migrant integration include strong growth in the African employment rate and improvements in citizenship processing times," he noted. "However, persistent challenges remain. Migrants are disproportionately impacted by the housing crisis and are far more likely to experience income poverty and deprivation. These issues require urgent policy attention."The report, part of an ongoing series tracking migrant integration in Ireland, underscores the vital role foreign-born residents play in the nation’s economy and society while highlighting systemic barriers that continue to hinder their full inclusion. As Ireland navigates these dynamics, the ESRI’s findings provide a critical evidence base for shaping equitable and effective policy responses.
