Gerry Folan, Office for Integration

Migration Citylab – Brussels 26th May 2009

Immigration is relatively recent phenomenon Irish context

Emigration history more familiar Influx of migration has been a key factor of Irelands exceptional economic growth over the last 10 years

Relatively liberal labour market policy.

4m population and an immigrant population of over 10% immigration/integration key policy issue Economic downturn slowdown in new migration

Evidence of increasing outflows of population

Immigration remains a permanent part of our sociocultural landscape.

Integration challenge

 

The Irish Story

Profile Immigrant population 

The Census shows that Dublin City has the highest concentration of non-nationals anywhere in the state, with the figure standing at 15.1 per cent of total population. Of this figure, it is apparent that there is a particular concentration of eastern European migrants, notably from Poland. 

Nationality in Dublin City (2006)

IMPACTS

Socio Cultural – Embracing new diversityCitymix over 100 nationalities living in the city

ethnic media

ethnic food

ethnic clubs

ethnic music

cultural festivals and events

emerging markets , restaurants , shops

places of worship

cultural outlook receptive towards

new experience

low levels of racism in the city

Education inner city schools now have majority of non national children demand for additional supports language and special needs supportemergency response to demand for school places for non national children Intercultural strategy for education

Housing sufficient supply and a strong rental market demand for social housing has not been a dominant factor to date changed economic situation demand on social housing will increaseIncreased homelessless among migrantslittle no evidence of ghettoisation

Health increase demand on health services 25% health workers of immigrant origin immigrants make vital contribution to sustaining servicesIntercultural health strategy

SportMajor sporting organisations adopting intercultural strategies

 

. 

Impacts contd:

Politics

Immigrants represent 2.5% people on City electoral register.

There are no elected members from non national background on city council.

Number of central city electoral wards now have majority ethnic population.

Immigrants regardless of status have right to vote in local elections.

Migrant voters initiative project to promote political participation.

New candidates emerging for local elections June 2009

 

Impacts contd:

 

No evidence of spatial segregation and there is reasonable spread of ethnic communities throughout the city

Some evidence of clustering and concentration particularly in central area.

Proximity to employment particularly services and construction,transport,adequate supply rental housing, and attraction of centre city living.

Spatial Impacts

   

Ethnic MinoritiesTotal as Local %

< 5%

5-10% 

10-25% 

 

>50% 

25-50%

Rathmines

BallsbridgeCrumlin

Clontarf

Ballymun

BeaumontFinglas

Drumcondra

Raheny

Coolock

Kilmainham

Cabra

Ashtown

Glasnevin

Kimmage

Ballyfermot

Terenure

Economic impacts – Pre 2009

Migration has been driven by labour market demand in a period of unprecedented economic growth.

GDP annual 6.7% growth 1997-2005 major contribution by migrant labour

Labour force participation rates were up to 80 per cent for migrants, compared to a national participation rate of 64.5 per cent in 2007.

16 per cent of the total workforce was comprised of non-Irish nationals in 2008 .

Sectors employment concentration migrant labour

Manufacturing 19.4% Wholesale Retail 18.9%

Hotels & Restaurants 37.7% Construction 16%

Hotels & Restaurants 37.7% Financial & Business services 16.1%

Health 14% Public Admin 1.9%

Economic impacts – Post 2009

Sharp Increase in national unemployment – now 10.5%

Construction,retail,hotel and restaurants significant decline

Impact on migrant population increase unemployment

City has largest migrant population in state

Adverse impact social exclusion

International mobility patterns Need to attract new migrants

High value skills

-Over 90 per cent increase in the live register-Over 20 per cent now non nationals

Live Register

Unemployment

-Unemployment up to 7 per cent- Latest estimates from Q1 2009 up to 11.4 per cent back to 1997 levels

Unemployment rates

0.0%

2.0%

4.0%

6.0%

8.0%

10.0%

12.0%

Q32004

Q12005

Q32005

Q12006

Q32006

Q12007

Q32007

Q12008

Q32008

Irish non-Irish Accession

Unemployment rates of immigrants typically exceed those of natives so Ireland no different. But there was an acceleration in the rate of unemployment among immigrants for much of 2008, especially among accession state nationals

(Source ESRI data 2009)

% employment change (annual)

-10.0%

-5.0%

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

30.0%

35.0%

40.0%

Q32005

Q42005

Q12006

Q22006

Q32006

Q42006

Q12007

Q22007

Q32007

Q42007

Q12008

Q22008

Q32008

Q42008

Irish non-Irish

Annual employment growth of immigrants was huge but steep decline in 2008, turning negative in Q4 2008 and exceeding the rate of decline among natives

(Source ESRI data 2009)

“Towards Integration A City Framework” is a strategic initiative of

Dublin City Development Board led by Dublin City

Council to develop a whole city approach to

integration.

“While management of immigration is a matter

for government, integration is a

responsibility which falls on the city and its network of agencies.”

The Vision

“Dublin City is a city of welcome, that creates trust, appreciation and protection for all its people and all its communities. A city that consciously celebrates diversity.”

The Principles

  Promotes equality

  Prevents racism, exclusion, restriction or preference

Promotes interculturalism, interaction, understanding and integration

Promotes human rights

Prevents poverty

“ Integration is a reciprocal process of adaptation over time between the individual migrant and the host society and is achieved through structural participation, social interaction and cultural competence ”

Integration

definition

Integration Framework

The policy framework outlines the context of migration and

settlement patterns in the city for the first time.

It sets a starting point to encourage all the

partners/stakeholders at city level, in particular public service

providers, to take ownership of integration.

Integration Framework

It consolidates research and information and draws on evolving national policy, European principles on integration and the experience of cities with a migration history.

It identifies key issues on information, services and barriers to progress.

It sets out a policy framework and a template for actions.

The leaders of key state and city organisations come together in City Hall to sign a formal Declaration on Integration for Dublin City.

This Declaration is unique in the Irish context establishing a pact on integration at city level and a strong message of commitment to the immigrant population of the city.

Dublin City Declaration on

Integration

       Dublin City Charter

City Council, lead agency for Integration in the city

Promote and support implementation of integration process in partnership with all stakeholders

Establish Annual Integration Dialogue and facilitate and support Integration Forums at area level

Establish a Migrant Forum as a channel of communication on migrant issues at city level.

Promote support development of a City Intercultural Centre as centre of cultural learning and exchange and training resource

Build supports and capacity of ethnic led organisations to ensure full participation in economic social cultural and political life of the city

Integration a core element of business processes and strategic planning.

Commit to UNESCO Charter and European Coalition of Cities against Racism and implementation of 10 point plan

Progress implementation of Traveller Inter Agency Initiatives on employment ,education ,health and delivery of programme of accommodation

Monitor and Review

Leadership

Communication / Interaction / Engagement

Intercultural City / Learning / Exchange

Organisation Services / Change / Adaptation

Traveller Focus

Implementation / Partnership

Representation / Participation

Integration Support / Funding Capacity

City Commitment to Anti-Racism & Discrimination

Monitor / Observation

The Diversity Dividend

“As a capital city we are competing for skills and

knowledge with other cities internationally. Managing our new diversity as an asset for

the city,attracting and retaining migrant population,

fostering a culture of openness in social, economic

and cultural life will add competitive advantage and be one of the key drivers to

achieving a successful city.”

  John Tierney, City Manager

Thank you

Gerry FolanOffice for IntegrationDublin City CouncilBlock 4 Floor 1Civic OfficesWood QuayDublin 8

Ph: +353 1 222 3244 or +35386 8150972Email: gerry.folan@dublincity.ie