European Intercultural Workplace Report questions integration policies
Wednesday 26 September 2007

Dr Aileen Pearson-Evans, Ireland's EIW Project Director, Conor Lenihan, TD, Minister of State for Integration and Mr Rotimi Adebari, Mayor of Portlaoise

'Confusion, fear, insecurity and ad hoc measures' are the terms used to describe Ireland's response to changes in Irish society over the last 12 years, according to an European Intercultural Workplace Report launched today at DCU by Conor Lenihan, TD, Minister of State for Integration. This has led to unease about the future of Irish culture and identity. But the report also identifies some highly effective policies that have been introduced recently to deal with diversity in the workplace.

The report calls for an informed debate on whether other cultures should be required to adapt to Irish cultural norms, or whether Ireland should adapt to the norms of other cultures.

According to Dr. Aileen Pearson-Evans, Ireland's EIW Project Director and Senior Lecturer in DCU's School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies, there is a real need for informed policies and long-term planning to ensure the successful integration of international workers into Irish society.

"Time is critical. Ireland has a great opportunity to enrich society and the workplace by building on other countries' experiences and good practice, and by avoiding their mistakes, with regard to intercultural integration. It is vital that the government demonstrates its commitment by allocating sufficient resources to ensure that good intercultural policies can be implemented effectively, and adequate intercultural training provided where necessary”, she said.

Speakers at the launch included Mr Rotimi Adebari, Mayor of Portlaoise, who gave a talk based on his own personal experience of being a newcomer to Ireland, Mr Philip Watt, Director, National Consultative Committee for Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI) and representatives from the 10 EU partner States who collaborated in the Europe-wide research project.

Research conducted in the Irish workplace involved an investigation into the construction, hospitality, healthcare and education sectors. The Report highlights the urgent need for funding for both schools and hospitals. Nurses and teachers spoke of the heavy workloads, lack of resources and training to meet the needs of both patients and carers, and teachers and pupils.

While the government has responded positively with the National Action Plan Against Racism, the Guidelines for Intercultural Education and the establishment of the National Consultative Committee for Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI), there is need for significant financial support to implement initiatives. However, there are many examples of lack of integrated thinking, policies and action at all levels. Many of its policies and strategies have largely been reactive. The Report identifies recommendations for both Government and employers who have a responsibility to raise awareness, develop strategies for dealing with cross-cultural differences and facilitate positive social interaction between workers from different cultural backgrounds.

The Report also recommends that Government should be informed by international expertise rather than applying ad hoc tactical responses. The media also has a responsibility to take an informed, balanced approach to reporting issues relating to cultural diversity.

Although the Irish have a long history of enforced emigration due to famine, poverty and job shortages at home, as well as a reputation for generosity in giving aid to developing countries, international workers arriving in Ireland are not always greeted with empathy and the 'céad míle fáilte' for the Irish are famous.

Interesting statistics

Foreign nationals now account for one in eight workers in Ireland, reflecting the fact that the Irish economy is reliant on foreign labour.
Of all new jobs created in 2006, 56% were filled by non-Irish nationals.
Since May 2004 more than 250,000 migrant workers from Poland, Latvia and Lithuania have registered for PPS numbers.
Over 400,000 foreign nationals present in Ireland today, representing 160 different nationalities,

Some of the points contained in the conclusions of the study:

• 1. The speed and extent of the changes in Irish society and Irish workplaces over the past 12 years have created a background context of confusion, fear, insecurity and ad hoc measures to deal with a new and unknown situation.
• 2. This EIW project research has been undertaken in 10 European countries. The Irish report is situated within the context of Ireland, which, in a ten-year period, has been transformed from a predominantly white, homogeneous society to one which is far more culturally diverse.
• 3. The studies show strong positives – but also negatives that will have to be addressed at government policy level, and in the workplace and the community.
• 4. Creative measures need to be employed to address linguistic difficulties, as language barriers remain a major obstacle in achieving integration within a culturally diverse society.
• 5. Intercultural training should be delivered to all levels of workplace constituents – management, Irish workers, international workers – to raise awareness about cultural norms and behaviours, to develop strategies for dealing with cross-cultural differences, and to facilitate positive social interaction between workers from different cultural background. Organisations should also address the question of racism and discrimination at work, particularly possible ‘institutional racism’, through discussion and intercultural training.