Close to 100 business leaders attended the Open Doors Initiative's Corporate Social Justice, Business and Migration at the IDA Ireland offices in Dublin today (3 April).
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe gave the keynote address at the event, which was themed around the business case for inclusive migration and the need for business leaders to embrace inclusivity and migration as a strategic imperative.
"Openness and diversity are strengths, not just of an organisation, they are strengths of a country & an economy & we need to continue to make the case for them," said Donohoe.
Lord David Puttnam spoke about his own experience as a migrant to Ireland and the need to address barriers to a more cohesive society from government, business and wider society.
The panel also included IDA CEO Michael Lohan, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy, Fragomen Ireland managing partner Angel Bello Cortes, Odyssey CEO Stacey McGrath, and Indeed EMEA head of social impact Eamonn Fitzgerald.
“We cannot be distracted by the minority who make headlines. The reality is that most migrants to Ireland have arrived legally, seeking sanctuary from war, famine, and persecution, or simply seeking a better life," said Jeanne McDonagh, CEO of the Open Doors Initiative.
“Migrants represent 17% of the labour force, playing vital roles across all sectors. At a time of full employment, migration is essential to sustaining businesses, supporting our economy, and maintaining our social protection systems, including pensions and healthcare.
“Migration is inevitable and it’s welcome and necessary. The tone of debate needs to be changed. Migration is not just a necessity—it is a competitive advantage.
"It is a strategic imperative for businesses seeking growth, innovation, and sustainability in an increasingly globalised world."
The Open Doors Initiative aims to make corporate social justice the benchmark for responsible business and has 130 partners.
The organisation urges businesses to advocate for an Employers' Taskforce on Migration with relevant government bodies, to fight disinformation, nurture labour pathways for skilled refugees, and invest in inclusion efforts that go beyond compliance.
Photo: (l-r) Paddy Hayes, chair of The Open Doors Initiative, CEO ESB Group; Jeanne McDonagh, CEO, The Open Doors Initiative; and Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe. (Pic: Naoise Culhane)
