Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration

Welcome to the website of the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration. We hope that you find it useful and informative.

The Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration (formerly the Office of the Minister of State for Integration) was set up to develop, drive and co-ordinate policy in relation to the integration of legally resident immigrants across Government Departments so that our immigrants are fully integrated into Irish society. Integration policy in Ireland is based on an intercultural approach with rights and responsibilities for both the receiving society and migrants. Everyone has a role to play including individuals, organisations, businesses, government and non-governmental organisations.

In 2002, approximately 5.7% of Ireland’s population of just under 4 million were immigrants while the 2006 Census figures show that over 10% of our population are newcomers and this represents an astonishing increase of 87% over the four year period. It is no overstatement to say that this has been a phenomenal demographic and social change for a small country to absorb over a relatively short timeframe. The 2006 Census figures show that we have over 420,000 migrants here who have come from 188 different countries and these people have a wide diversity of cultural and religious backgrounds (note: the Census 2011 results will be available in 2012). The level of migration we have experienced has brought both benefits and challenges but it is generally agreed that the benefits to Ireland have been substantial. There is no doubt that Ireland will remain a diverse society and it important that we celebrate and harness this diversity and ensure inclusive communities. Read Less...

New Irish citizens with Minister Shatter and Judge Bryan McMahon at the Citizenship Ceremony in Dublin Castle on 24th June 2011.
Photograph by courtesy of the Irish Times.

New Irish citizens at Dublin Castle on 24 June 2011.

Photograph by courtesy of the Irish Times.