Integration Centre Ireland: Annual Integration Monitoring 2011

The clear focus on outcomes distinguishes this Monitor from other monitoring frameworks, for example the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX). The MIPEXtool aims to assess, compare and improve integration policy indicators by providing ongoing assessment of policies (see Box 1.2). That said, policy forms the context for those outcomes, and will be discussed briefly in this report...
Ongoing debate has focussed on the discretionary nature of thedecision on granting citizenship through naturalisation. The 2011 MIPEX study concluded that while applicants for citizenship in Ireland benefited from relatively short residence requirements and the option of dual nationality, the extent of Ministerial discretion and length of processing times were serious obstacles to integration...
In terms of its impact on integration, long term residence enables Third Country Nationals to participate more in many areas of life on an equal legal footing with nationals and EU citizens (MIPEX, 2011). In the absence of a statutory scheme Ireland currently operates an administrative long-term residency scheme, which is open only to employment permit holders and their dependent spouses. Data on persons who are granted long-term residence via the current administrative scheme are available for the period 2005 to 2010...
However despite the favourable conditions for migrant integration to politics in Ireland, challenges remain. The continued uncertainty over the future ofthe Ministerial Council on Integration is a concern in this regard. MIPEX 2011 scored Ireland at 100 per cent on electoral rights and political liberties but morepoorly on consultative bodies. The Integration Centre (2011) recommends that an Expert Migrant Consultative Group should be established to provideadvice and migrant proof legislation/policies...Read more