Migrants are adding to the productive potential of the economy because on average they are better educated than their Irish counterparts, according to a new report.
The NCB report found almost 60 per cent of the Irish population increase in the four years between 2002 and 2006 came from migration.
The report's author, economist Brian Devine.
Over half of the migrants are aged between 25 and 44, a key demographic for working and forming a household unit, the report notes.
It also says the large influx of people from the new EU states "fits the economic literature on migration", which suggests that individuals will compare the income benefits from migration with the economic and social costs of moving.
"If the benefits outweigh the costs, they may choose to migrate," says the report's author, economist Brian Devine.
A noticeable trend is that migration is becomingly increasingly transitory with many persons moving and working abroad with the intention of staying only a limited time or possibly moving back and forth between countries, he added.
Mr Devine says the relative attractiveness of Ireland's economic position means there is going to be continued significant inward migration in the coming years. He said immigration ensures that growth in the labour force remains firm and demand for housing remains strong.
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