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The Polish minority in the Republic of Ireland
numbers approximately 63,276 according to 2006 census figures,[1] making
it the largest minority in the country excluding those born in the
United Kingdom. However, the census that year is believed by
the government to have underestimated the number of Polish
nationals, whose numbers may be as high as 200,000.[2]
History
After Poland joined the European Union in
May 2004, Ireland was one of just three
existing EU members to open its borders and welcome Polish workers
(the others being the United Kingdom and Sweden). Ireland quickly became a key
destination for Poles wishing to work outside the country; in 2004
a website advertising Irish jobs in Polish received over 170,000 hits in
its first day.[3] During
the 2007 Polish general
election, Polish parties campaigned in Ireland and three voting
locations were set up; in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick.[4]
Polish, although not officially an established subject, can be
taken as part of the Irish Leaving Certificate examination as
is the case with all official languages of the European Union. The
exam used is based on the paper of the European Baccalaureate.[5] In
2006, the Polish government announced their intention to open a
Polish school in Dublin, offering the opportunity for students to
follow the Polish national curriculum,[6]
assuming they intend to return to Poland to live.
Media
The large number of Poles in Ireland has led to the provision of
a number of media outlets catering to them. Newspapers include the
Polska Gazeta (see below) and a section in Dublin's Evening Herald
entitled "Polski Herald". Dublin cable television channel,
City Channel, also features a programme
aimed at Poles in Ireland entitled Oto Polska (This is Poland).[7]
See also
References
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