2359. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his response to the findings of the study funded by his Department and published by an organisation (details supplied) in January 2026, which found that most people in Ireland substantially overestimate the scale of immigration and that these misperceptions are strongly associated with negative attitudes and increased vulnerability to misinformation; and the steps his Department is taking to ensure accurate public information on migration is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58160/26]

The ESRI research, which was funded by my Department, provides valuable insights into public attitudes and perceptions of migration in Ireland. It highlights the importance of ensuring that public discussion is informed by reliable evidence and accurate information.

My Department is committed to supporting evidence-informed policymaking and to making factual information on migration readily available. This includes the regular publication of official statistics, information on immigration and international protection services, and updates on policy developments through the Department's website and other official channels.

The Department has also supported public information programmes on migration and integration, including a national digital, social media and community information campaign on migration in 2024, and in 2026, supporting a series of community engagement sessions in each Local Authority area to hear community stakeholders' and service providers' experience of migration and integration. These meetings are ongoing at this time.

By making factual information publicly available, the Department aims to support informed public debate and improve understanding of Ireland's migration system.

This work will also be supported by the forthcoming National Migration and Integration Strategy, which will provide a long-term framework to guide Ireland's approach to migration and integration, based on evidence, collaboration across Government and engagement with stakeholders.