MORE THAN HALF of the population of Ireland wants to see the country take in thousands of refugees from Syria, a new poll has revealed.

The Claire Byrne Live/Amárach Research survey shows that 54% of people believe Ireland should accommodate 5,000 refugees to help Europe cope with the current crisis.

Earlier today, Tánaiste Joan Burton said Ireland is planning to welcome about 5,000 refugees fleeing the Syrian war. They will not have to go through the Direct Provision system as they are classed by the UN as ‘programme refugees’.

Under the terms of the scheme, refugees would initially be given permission to stay for at least two years. What generally happens in practice in ‘programme’ schemes, the Tánaiste said, is that many people end up going home if the conflict in their country is resolved in that time.

Less keen in Connacht and Ulster

Broken down geographically, the poll found that the majority of people in Munster and Leinster agreed with taking in 5,000 refugees. However, just 42% in Connacht and Ulster agreed.

Across age categories, only the 45 to 55 bracket fell below 50%. The 15 to 24s and 35 to 44 year olds were the most likely (58%) to want to take in refugees to Ireland.

Meanwhile British Prime Minister David Cameron confirmed the UK will accept up to 20,000 refugees from Syria over the next five years.

Britain had a “moral responsibility” to act he said, adding that children and orphans would be prioritised.

The poll was conducted today by Amárach Research. The survey panel comprises more than 1,000 adults who all own a smartphone. More details here. 

Read: Syrian refugees coming to Ireland won’t have to go through Direct Provision

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