Irish labor minister Billy Kelleher said the decision will be maintained based on current evaluations and will be reexamined before the end of 2011.
He admitted the Irish immigration experience has been positive, with newcomers bringing economic, social and cultural benefits to the country. The contribution of immigrants to the increase of the labor force has been a significant one, he said.
However, Kelleher added the important challenges entailed by the effects of the economic crisis and the direct impact on the labor market in Ireland were the factors that influenced the government’s decision.