Together We Thrive Labour Launches Campaign Promoting The Contribution of Migrants

Together We Thrive Labour Launches Campaign Promoting The Contribution of Migrants - The Labour Party

Today the Labour Party launched its ‘Together We Thrive’ campaign – highlighting the contribution of migrants to Ireland’s economy and society.

The campaign will run for the next three weeks and features the real-life story of immigrants to Ireland from Ukraine, Syria and India.

Speaking at the launch Party Leader Ivana Bacik TD said:

“People who migrate to Ireland make a huge contribution to our society and to our economy – in the same way that generations of Irish people who have made a home across the world have also done.  There are sectors of the economy and of our public services – such as healthcare, hospitality and retail – that just could not function without the contribution made by those from our new communities.

“However, most regrettably, we are now witnessing the growth of anti-immigrant sentiment, based on falsehoods and touted by far-right actors. Sadly, individuals and families from abroad who are making a life in Ireland are being confronted with discrimination and racism here, often for the first time.

“Labour has called on the Government time and again to counter the lies of the far-right and to tell the real story of how much migrants contribute to our economy and society.  However, so far the Government has bluntly refused to do the right thing.

“So, in the face of Government inaction, we are now taking action. I am delighted to launch our Labour campaign that seeks to tell the real story of how much we need inward migration, and to highlight the immense positive contribution that migrants are making to Ireland.”

Labour Party Justice spokesperson Alan Kelly TD said:

“Anyone who has engaged with our health and care services in recent years knows just how important migrants are to our public services.

“The vast majority of migrants to Ireland come on work or study permits.   In 2024 32% of all work permits issued were for the health and care sector and one in four nurses and midwives employed directly by the HSE come from abroad.  Without this vital contribution our health and care systems just couldn’t function.

“Recently we’ve seen some senior Government ministers and some political parties pander to anti-immigrant sentiment – it is wrong and it is dangerous.  Political leaders have a responsibility to stand up for facts and challenge misinformation wherever it appears. Turning away from the issue or allowing toxic narratives to spread unchallenged is not neutrality. It is a failure of leadership.

“The Together We Thrive campaign is Labour’s response. It is a values-led campaign rooted in solidarity, fairness and evidence. It aims to bring the conversation back to reality, to highlight the contribution migrants make to our country and to challenge the politics of division that has begun to creep into public debate.

“Ireland is stronger because of the people who choose to build their lives here.”

Link to Labour.ie/together-we-thrive