The economic lives of immigrants in Ireland: evidence from the census of population of Ireland, 2006

Abstract

This study addresses critical questions in relation to the factors affecting the economic lives, performance and assimilation of immigrants in Ireland. Data from the Census of Population of Ireland, 2006, is used. Three key themes are addressed: the labour market outcomes and performance of immigrants in Ireland; immigrant and gender equality in the Irish labour market; and the housing outcomes of immigrants in Ireland.

Preliminary statistics show that immigrants in Ireland have favourable labour market characteristics. Utilising econometric estimation techniques, it is reported that, ceteris paribus, immigrants from NI, GB, EU13 and USA are more likely, relative to the native population, of having occupational success (being employed in Professional, Managerial or Technical (PMT) jobs). Other immigrants report a very different labour market experience, where, positive labour market characteristics do not translate into occupational success. Others experience a structural disadvantage in the Irish labour market. All immigrants are less likely to be in self-employment, relative to natives. Education and subjects studied play a key role for immigrants’ labour market integration and success.

Employing equality adjusted proportions, it is reported that immigrants experience greater within group inequality than natives. This study paints the gender dimension of immigration in Ireland in a favourable light. Female immigrants donot appear to suffer from a double disadvantage in the Irish labour market.Immigrants have a lower likelihood of having homeownership relative to natives, indicating that immigrants are not achieving full incorporation into Irish society. Inter alia, occupational outcome is a key determinant of homeownership. Immigrants are less likely, relative to natives, to live in a house. However, immigrants are more likely to live in newer built accommodation.

The findings presented in this study raises important issues for Irish and European migration policy and the methods adopted provide a useful framework for future enquiry.

Date of Award	Mar 2014
Original language	English
Supervisor	Vani Borooah (Supervisor)