1,534 Irish citizens participated in a survey conducted by Bpact in October 2024. In addition to questions about their voting behaviour, respondents were presented with several statements on various themes. One of the key topics was ‘immigration and integration’. The results show that clear opinions exist in Irish society on this topic, with nuance and division often going hand in hand.
Migrants should have easier access to employment
The majority (75%) agreed that it should be easier for migrants to find work in sectors where employers struggle to find staff. Additionally, 70% believe that people seeking Irish citizenship should take a test to demonstrate their knowledge of Irish society. This suggests an expectation that newcomers actively engage in getting to know more about Irish heritage as they adapt to their new environment.
Public servants should be allowed to wear headscarves
When asked about religious expression in the workplace, 63% of respondents supported the idea that public servants should be allowed to wear a headscarf while performing their duties. This indicates a significant level of openness in Irish society to the freedom of religious expression in public spaces.
Voting rights and migrant distribution cause division
Our survey found that opinions were more divided on other topics. For instance, 61% believe that wealthier areas of the country should be prioritised for the new accommodation of asylum seekers.
There is conflicting views on the issue of voting rights for migrants in local elections: 53% support abolishing them, while 47% want to retain them. This divide shows that allowing migrants to participate in determining political outcomes in Ireland remains a topic open for debate.
