In a powerful push to promote inclusivity and support for immigrants, the Labour Party has launched its “Together We Thrive” campaign, calling on people to show their support for immigrants making a life in Ireland. Damien Corish, Labour’s Intercultural Campaigns Coordinator and former Rosslare candidate, is leading the charge to highlight the positive contributions immigrants make to Irish society.
The campaign highlights the essential role immigrants play in Ireland’s economy, particularly in sectors like healthcare, hospitality and retail, which rely heavily on workers from abroad. Labour emphasizes that without the dedication and hard work of foreign nationals, these critical services would struggle to function.
According to Labour, Ireland’s population is overwhelmingly Irish, with 83.7% of citizens holding Irish nationality, but a growing number of foreign nationals have made Ireland their home. Some key statistics from the CSO (April 2025) highlight this diverse demographic:
EU nationals living in Ireland: 332,002
UK nationals living in Ireland: 289,053
Indian nationals living in Ireland: 56,642
Brazilian nationals living in Ireland: 39,556
US nationals living in Ireland: 34,236
Nigerian nationals living in Ireland: 20,559
Philippine nationals living in Ireland: 19,846
Perhaps most notably, the healthcare sector is heavily reliant on foreign-born workers. Nearly one in four nurses and midwives employed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) come from abroad. Additionally, 43% of doctors in Ireland were qualified outside the country. These sectors, integral to Ireland’s public services, depend on immigrants to meet the needs of a growing population.
Labour are asking people to sign the petition and show their support for immigrants in Ireland. The party also encourages everyone to read real-life stories that showcase the positive impact of foreign nationals in Irish society, available on the “Together We Thrive” campaign page.