Dublin: A new study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has found that negative public attitudes toward immigration in Ireland are largely driven by misinformation and inaccurate assumptions rather than the reality of migration trends.
Perception vs Reality
The nationally representative survey of 1,200 adults revealed significant gaps between public perception and official statistics:
- Respondents estimated that 28% of Ireland’s population was born abroad, though the true figure is 22%.
- People believed 14% of residents came from outside the EU, UK, and North America, but the actual figure is 8%.
- Participants assumed fewer than 20% of non-EU migrants came for work or study, when in reality around 50% do.
The report highlights that many respondents overestimated the number of asylum seekers and misunderstood the reasons people migrate to Ireland.
Misconceptions and Attitudes
The ESRI found a clear link between factual misunderstandings and negative sentiment:
- Those who overestimated migrant population figures were more likely to view immigration as a major national concern.
- Misconceptions were strongest regarding migrants from Asia and the Middle East.
- In contrast to public belief, migrant representation in social housing and prisons remains low.
The study concludes that intensive media focus on refugees and asylum seekers has magnified misconceptions, contributing to public anxiety.
The ESRI suggests that sharing accurate data and promoting informed discussion could help counter misinformation and support more balanced views on migration.
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