In 2003 at the time of this conference and publication, Ireland had seen a dramatic rise in immigration to the island. Ireland was a culturally and ethnically homogeneous society that had been accustomed to departure and emigration, so the new arrivals made a considerable impact. Immigration continues within the European Union states. The numbers arriving affect, and are affected by, policy and developments within both Ireland and the European entity. Immigration coincides with other major cultural changes in Irish society. The 2003 conference from which these proceedings stem drew attention to the challenges of the new cultural diversity. In this published record, policy makers and those active in the interest of immigrants demonstrate the concerns of the debate at a crucial point in time, and their insights can inform researchers and policy makers today.
