Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Feb 2001

Vol. 529 No. 4

Written Answers. - Immigration Policy.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

79 Mr. O'Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will publish the report of the Interdepartmental-Agency Group on Immigration Policy; the level of immigration identified as being necessary in the report to meet our labour market needs up to 2006; the steps that are being taken to meet this need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3007/01]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

The Interdepartmental-Agency Group on Immigration Policy completed its report in February 2000 and I do not intend to publish it at this stage. It has been made available in response to FOI requests and I am happy to furnish the Deputy with a copy if he so wishes.

The report looks at a range of possibilities on future labour market trends in Ireland and the figures quoted are based on a particular growth scenario and on the time scale for the operation of the national development plan. In this connection the report estimates a possible gross immigration figure of 336,000 for the years to 2006 or 48,000 annually, much in line with trends in recent years. Central Statistics Office estimates suggest that annual gross immigration has ranged from 39,000 to 47,000 in the second half of the 1990s. This gross figure does not take into account outward migration which would clearly reduce the gross figure substantially. The report also estimated that perhaps 80% of immigrants would be either returning Irish or citizens of other EU states. The balance, or some 20-25% of the total, would come from third country, non-EU member states.

The projections are based on a particular view of the relationship of economic growth to employment growth and the relationship which existed in the late 1990s may well change in the new decade. If employment opportunities are not generated in the economy at the predicted level, immigration will be lower. In light of changing circumstances in the economy and labour market, forecasts regarding immigration must be subject to re-assessment on a regular basis. I intend to have further work done in this area.

Since the completion of this report, the Immigration Policy Advisory Committee, which includes representatives of the social partners, has been established under the aegis of my Department and held its inaugural meeting. A further meeting of this committee is scheduled to take place at the end of this month.