Experiences of racism in Ireland have fallen in the last three years, according to new research published today.
The research, commissioned by the Steering Group of the National Action Plan against Racism and carried out by IMS Millward Brown, also showed a positive shift in understanding and awareness of non-Irish nationals and their contribution to society.
More than 1,000 people, including immigrants, were interviewed for the research.
It showed there has been a 20 per cent drop in those who view Ireland as a racist country since 2003.
The majority of immigrants surveyed were happy with their decision to come to Ireland, citing friendly people, a strong economy and a generous social welfare system as positives.
The unpredictable weather, dirty cities and the cost of living, however, were seen as drawbacks.
One of the most dramatic findings of the research was the significant increase in the number of people who have had experiences of new communities, up from 36 per cent in 2003 to 67 per cent in 2006.
This suggests that the more people are exposed to members of new communities the more likely they are to be positively disposed toward them.
Some 41 per cent of those interviewed believed there was a need and a place for a Government position on racism in the form of the National Action Plan Against Racism.
Half of the respondents felt that enlargement of the EU had been beneficial to Ireland, yet 49 per cent said they were very concerned or somewhat concerned about future levels of immigration.
A high proportion of those surveyed, 71 per cent, believed anyone should be allowed to live in Ireland if they work and pay their taxes while 51 per cent said having non-Irish nationals in Ireland made it a more interesting country to live in.
Commenting on the research, Steering Group Chair of the National Action Plan against Racism, Lucy Gaffney said it was very rewarding to see a positive shift in people's attitudes to new communities.
"It appears that much of that change comes with time and experience of new communities and cultures," she said. "The role of the Action Plan over the coming year will be to ensure that we provide as many opportunities as possible for engagement and interaction between the new and the old Irish in order to further promote awareness and understanding of the many new cultures now contributing to Irish society."