Reports & Leaflets




Leaflets

Facts about Migrant Workers in Ireland
Throughout history, migration has been accompanied by fears and negative myths and misinformation about newcomers.  Many people do not have access to clear, accurate information about migrant workers.  When left unchallenged, misinformation leads to prejudice, racism, discrimination and inequality.  This leaflet is designed to provide information and answers to some common questions about migrant workers in Ireland. Download






Reports


Some reports are available in hard copy: download publications order form.


This case study aims to share with others why and how social justice goals can be achieved through analysis and action which is firmly rooted in community work practice. 

MRCI, together with activists, volunteers and migrant workers, has improved the lives of thousands of migrant workers and their families in Ireland. By documenting here how we have achieved certain goals in the past decade, we hope to encourage others dedicated to improving the lives of marginalised people to see the benefits of using a community work approach.




Singled Out: Exploratory study on ethnic profiling in Ireland and its impact on migrant workers and their families 

The report ‘Singled Out’ is an exploratory study on ethnic profiling in Ireland. It gives shocking insights to the treatment of Black and ethnic minority communities travelling to and from Northern Ireland and in police/immigration/security checks in the Republic.   Observation work identified that Black and members of ethnic minority communities were the focus of discriminatory checks on trains, buses and on the street.  Download




Hidden Messages: Overt Agendas

This pamphlet, written by Niall Crowley, equality expert and former CEO of the Equality Authority, is intended to stimulate much-needed discussion on the importance of political leadership and action that supports equality for migrant workers. It compares the messages political leaders have been sending out regarding migrant workers, with the policy decisions that they have made, and highlights a significant gap between what politicians say about migrant workers, and the actions that they take. Download




Tools for Social Change: A Resource Guide for Community Work with Migrant Workers and their Families in Ireland

In association with the Centre for Applied Social Studies, NUI Maynooth and the Community Workers Cooperative, MRCI has developed a resource guide for community work with migrant workers and their families. The aim of ‘Tools for Social Change' is to illustrate a community work approach to working with migrant workers and their families, in a practical and engaging manner, that both provides theory and supports the development of good community work practice. The guide is intended to be an active tool to support community workers in their work, and contains a mixture of social analysis and useful information in the form of support sheets and case studies from MRCI and around the country. Important stages and developments in adopting a community work approach and key learning points are outlined throughout. MRCI hopes this guidewill be a useful contribution to the development of good community work practice in Ireland, particularly in relation to working with migrant workers and their families. Download


 


Exploitation in Ireland's Restaurant Industry








 


Enabling Equality: Migrant Women in Rural Ireland

Migrant women are part of the makeup of Ireland's increasingly diverse society. They have contributed to Ireland's economic success and to the social transformation of rural communities, both as active participants in the labour market and through family life and community activity. The purpose of this new study by MRCI is to explore the experiences and situation of migrant women at risk of poverty, social exclusion and discrimination in rural Ireland. It identifies and develops strategies for their inclusion and progression at a local level. It is hoped that this study will be a practical and constructive basis for action in contributing to the promotion of equality for women. Download

Download Executive Summary Poster, including Recommendations



 

Life in the Shadows - an Exploration of Irregular Migration in Ireland

This report looks at the lived experience of migrant workers who are undocumented or working irregularly in Ireland. It examines the different routes into undocumented status. Different policy options and their effectiveness are also analysed, and the report makes a number of recommendations for minimising irregular migration. Download







 

Realising Integration: Migrant Workers Undertaking Essential Low Paid Work in Dublin City

This project was initiated by MRCI, with support from Dublin City Development Board, in order to identify the situation of migrant workers undertaking low-paid work in a number of essential sectors in the city, to highlight their integration needs and acknowledge their importance in the future development of Dublin city. The sectors examined were hospitality, manual labour within construction, retail, cleaning and care work, all of which underpin the effective functioning of the city. It is hoped that this small-scale scoping exercise will contribute to the development of a strategy for the inclusion and integration of migrant workers and their families in Dublin. Download




 


No Way Forward, No Going Back: Identifying the problem of trafficking for forced labour in Ireland (2007)
This report provides an overview of the situation with regard to trafficking for forced labour in Ireland, in sectors other than for sexual exploitation. It also aims to identify effective policies necessary to support people trafficked for forced labour. The report follows a European-funded initiative led by Anti-Slavery International that focused on the existence and extent of trafficking for forced labour in Ireland, the UK, Portugal and the Czech Republic. The MRCI and Dublin City University conducted the research in Ireland. Download




 

Harvesting Justice: Mushroom Workers Call for Change (2006)
This document lays out the experiences of the members of the Mushroom Workers Support Group. It presents the voices of the members of the MWSG who are current and former mushroom workers seeking to be heard. The document captures the proceedings of a number of meetings held throughout Counties Cavan and Monaghan where the members of the group shared experiences of what it is like to work as a mushroom worker, what their main issues and concerns are and what needs to be done about it. Three of the members have volunteered their individual stories to be held up within this publication. Download





 

Accessing Redress for Workplace Exploitation: The Experience of Migrant Workers (2006)
This report seeks to:
a) Present an analysis of the experience of 89 migrant workers in seeking redress for workplace exploitation;
b) Identify the barriers and issues for migrant workers in seeking redress;
c) Formulate recommendations to improve protections from workplace exploitation and access to redress mechanisms for migrant workers. Download






 


Realising Integration - Creating the Conditions for the Economic, Social, Political and Cultural Inclusion of Migrant Workers and their Families in Ireland (2006)
As a national organisation working with migrant workers and their families who are in situations of vulnerability, the MRCI has, over the years, identified a number of barriers that they face on a daily basis in relation to their economic, social, political and cultural inclusion. The MRCI believes that inclusion and active participation in each of these spheres of society are prerequisites for creating the conditions for meaningful integration. In the context of the growing discourse around integration, this document offers a perspective on integration - its various components, the barriers preventing integration, and suggestions for a constructive way forward. Download




 


Social Protection Denied - The Impact of the Habitual Residence Condition on Migrant Workers (2006)
This publication analyses the impact that the Habitual Residence Condition has had on migrant workers in Ireland. It makes recommendations for amending the HRC and improving access to social protection for migrant workers and their families. Download







 

Private Homes - A Public Concern: The Experience of Twenty Migrant Women Employed in the Private Home in Ireland (2004)
This study analyses the situation of migrant women working in the private home using twenty case studies. It provides recommendations for action to improve their conditions of employment. Download







 


Work Permits in Ireland: A Recommendation for Change (2004)
This briefing paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the Work Permits system in Ireland, offering recommendations for changes that could improve the situation of migrant workers holding permits in Ireland. Download