Restrictive Government policy on immigration and asylum seekers appears unlikely to change in the short term, in spite of criticisms from employers, trade unions, opposition parties and civil liberties groups. The latest indication of official thinking from an Interdepartmental Group established by the Coalition Government would suggest that the traditionally narrow views of the Department of Justice are still in the ascendant. The Group recommends against the early introduction of a flexible visa system for skilled immigrant workers, arguing that at least two years would be required to establish the necessary structures and criteria under which a new Immigration Agency would operate. In the meantime, the existing work permit system, where the onus is on employers to check out the credentials of immigrants before they travel, should apply.
It is not certain if the recommendations of the Group will be accepted by the Government. The Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Ms Harney, has been arguing for a more flexible approach to the issue of immigrant workers in order to cope with skills shortages and to ensure that the growth targets of 5 per cent a year, identified in the National Development Plan, 2000-2006, will be met. At the same time, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ms Liz O'Donnell, has advocated a more humane approach to asylum seekers, who form just a small proportion of the number of people entering the country.
The reversal of migration trends in recent years has been startling. In the late 1980s, the number of Irish people leaving the country to work amounted to almost 56,000. But, within ten years, this outflow changed into a net inflow of 46,000 a year. Half of this figure was made up of returned emigrants and a further 30 per cent came from EU countries and have a full right to residence in Ireland. Of the remainder, about 15 per cent came from English speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, with 5 per cent or less coming from third world countries.
Emigration flows projected for the years to 2006 under the National Development Plan amount to 48,000 annually - much as at present - or 336,000 for the seven-year period. In that context, the expected annual inflow of asylum seekers, at 7,000 or less, is not the avalanche some people fear. But there is no doubt that the overall influx of people will place additional pressure on an overheated housing market and on a transport infrastructure that is already overloaded. Services such as education, health and social security will have to be provided with increased funding and human resources.
It is clear from all of this that immigration is the key to our growing and continuing prosperity. Foreign workers - and our own returned emigrants - must be seen in a positive light by the community. Their contribution in economic terms is just one facet of what they can offer. The creation of a multiracial, modern, inclusive society is something we can all fashion through hard work, dedication and co-operation.