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Let migrants upskill, improve their lot and contribute to society

Those coming to our shores should not be seen as a budgetary burden

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Times – Letters to the Editor
Fri Oct 02 2026 - 06:00 • 1 MIN READ

Sir, – Regarding David McWilliams’s Last Word piece (“Ireland is experiencing a surge in immigration. This raises questions for our tax and welfare system”, September 26th), the pertinent department rebranded some years ago as the Department of Social Protection. This move reflected, among other things, the breadth of its remit.

However, if we are to value the arrival of people to our shores merely in fiscal terms, then perhaps we could do so in terms of an investment opportunity rather than a budgetary burden.

Offering these “low-skilled” migrants a chance to upskill and improve their lot – notwithstanding numerous ways we can all contribute to Irish society – surely makes more sense than restricting access to a welfare system? – Yours, etc,

AISLING GERAGHTY,

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Maynooth,

Co Kildare.