Complaints among Irish and non-Irish populations in Ireland

Housing Discrimination Among Irish an Non-Irish

Is there discrimination against Non-Irish living in Ireland in the Dublin Ireland Housing Market?

The immigrant population in Ireland contributes considerably to the Irish economy. However, despite their contributions, many non-Irish live in housing conditions that are less than their Irish counterparts. Many blame discrimination as the cause of these disparities. However, there are many factors that could contribute to their condition aside from discrimination. This research examines the question of whether the non-Irish live in poorer conditions that their Irish counterparts due to discrimination, or due to other factors. This survey revealed that the non-Irish living in Ireland do face considerable discrimination, as compared to their Irish counterparts. This discrimination was more prominent in the quest to purchase homes. The non-Irish in Ireland represent a significantly underserved population. This study will help to determine how to reach this segment of the population and increase housing sales in Ireland.

Is there discrimination against Non-Irish living in Ireland in the Dublin Ireland Housing Market?

Chapter 1: Introduction

As the world moves towards globalization, racism is still an issue. Although, it is more difficult to see as it is not as openly accepted as it was in the past (Soyer, 2008). The non-Irish living in Ireland constitutes a major portion of the population. Ireland has immigrants from all over the world. They all come together in search of work opportunities. Many are educated and whey they arrive, they become contributors to the Irish economy. They are affluent and work in many technical areas of the economy. Yet, only a small percentage of them ever realize the joy of home ownership. Many live in flats for their entire life, often in poorer conditions than their Irish counterparts. This study will explore the issue of discrimination among this segment of the population and will help to determine the reasons behind differences in housing conditions between the non-Irish and Irish living in Ireland.

Background

According to Silkie (2008) perceptions of racism varied among non-Irish nationals regarding the existence of racism. This study also revealed that language played a major role in the inability of non-Irish to compete with Irish nationals. Many agree that conditions for non-Irish are poorer than for Irish nationals. However, the literature disagrees as to the reasons for these disparities.

According to the 2006 Irish census, a number of ethnic groups make up the national citizenry in Ireland. These immigrants include UK nationals, Polish, Lithuanian, Nigerian, Latvian, U.S., Chinese, German, Filipino, and French nationals (CSO, 2008). Although this is not a complete list and there are many other ethnic groups in Ireland, these groups comprise the most prominent sectors of the population. Of these groups, those originating from the UK comprise the largest non-Irish group living there today (CSO, 2008).

Immigrants living in Ireland constitute a major segment of the Irish economy and landscape.

In 2007, inward migration to Ireland accounted for approximately 50% of household formation and 60% of total population growth (Finfacts, 2008). Population and employment growth are two key factors that help to predict housing market demand. This growth due to non-national Irish accounted for approximately 30% of the total demand increase over from 2002-2006 (Finfacts, 2008). Non-Irish national accounted for approximately 70% of employment growth in the fourth quarter of 2007 (Finfacts, 2008). At this time, non-Irish nationals accounted for 16% of employment in the total economy (Finfacts, 2008).

Although, non-Irish nationals were found to be well-educated, for the most part, and met many of the requirements necessary to purchase their own home, a majority of non-Irish nationals live out their lives in flats. They never realize the dream of home ownership in Ireland. Research into the reasons for this phenomenon are speculative. Discrimination is suspected to be a responsible and there is one study that seems to support this theory. However, more research is needed to clarify the connection between discrimination and the non-Irish living in Ireland.

There are many unanswered questions regarding discrimination among non-Irish living in Ireland. Some studies found in the literature review indicated that certain ethnic groups were treated better than others. However, the amount of bias in these studies is not known. This research will compare attitudes regarding discrimination of non-Irish ethnic groups living in Ireland with those of Irish nationals.

Purpose of Study

The purpose of this study is to determine if differences in opinion exist regarding discrimination of non-Irish groups living in Ireland between Irish nationals and non-Irish nationals. It will measure differences in opinion regarding discrimination. In actuality, discrimination is difficult to prove in a manner that meets empirical standards. One person may feel that they were discriminated against, while the other party does not feel that way. Discrimination is a two-sided issue and is highly subjective.

Previous studies that used survey techniques to measure discrimination only addressed the feelings of discrimination among those who claimed discrimination. These results were not compared to a control group, but were taken at face value. This study will extend that research and will compare feelings of discrimination in attaining housing between Irish nationals, who will serve as the control group, and non-Irish nationals, who will serve as the test group. This study will further research into the area by comparing the feelings of two groups regarding the issue.

Significance of Study

This study will extend previous research that examines the issue of housing discrimination among Irish nationals and non-Irish nationals. The study will explore the issue using comparative survey methodology. This research method will allow the researcher to isolate the variable of housing discrimination by the comparison of two groups. This study will provide an improved method for studying the topic of discrimination using a non-biased approach. It will fill the gaps created by previous research in the ability to explore the topic in a way that examined both sides of the issue. Previous studies only examined the opinions of ethnic groups that would have been considered the victims in the situation. This study will provide a more balanced approach to the topic area.

Rationale

The rationale for this study stems from research conducted by the Irish Census that found patterns among non-Irish citizens that may indicate that they are at a disadvantage in terms of home ownership. The study found that a majority of non-Irish live in flats for a significant portion of their lives, while only a small proportion of Irish nationals live in flats. A majority of detached dwellings are owned by Irish nationals, with very few owned by non-Irish nationals. These statistics draw attention to the types and potential availability of housing to non-Irish nationals. It raises many questions regarding the ability of non-Irish to obtain suitable housing.

Other studies found that the non-Irish living in Ireland demonstrate several other demographic traits that would make them appear to be more suitable for home ownership than the statistics reveal. The non-Irish living in Ireland are highly educated members of Irish society, yet they never own a home. According to the literature review, there are more non-Irish living in Ireland in their senior years than Irish in some age sectors. They stay in Ireland until old age, but spend their entire lives living in flats.

These disparities in the Irish Census form the rationale for the current research study. Some research exists that indicates that discrimination may be to blame for these differences in housing. Several studies also suggest that housing for non-Irish nationals is of much poorer quality than that for Irish nationals. Information from the Census and these studies serve as the rationale for the current study.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study is to examine the possibility that housing disparities between the Irish and non-Irish nationals living in Ireland are due to discrimination. The study will compare the opinions and feelings of Irish and non-Irish nationals about feelings regarding discrimination in the ability to attain housing. In addition to comparing opinions regarding housing in Ireland, the study will divided those in the non-Irish group into various ethnic classes.

The purpose of these comparisons will be to determine if one or more groups are likely to be discriminated against more than others. This comparison will help to determine if certain ethnic groups are more likely to experience discrimination than others. The objective of this research method is to provide an unbiased approach to the research topic.

Hypothesis

This research study will use several hypotheses to determine if housing discrimination is a factor in the high number of non-Irish that never own a detached dwelling. It will use comparative data analysis to determine if differences exist between different ethnic groups. The research study will use the following hypotheses to achieve the objective.

H1: Statistically significant differences will be found between Irish nationals and non-Irish nationals regarding opinions about housing discrimination against non-Irish nationals in Dublin.

H2: Statistically significant differences will be found among various ethnic groups regarding the amount of housing discrimination that exists among different ethnic groups in Dublin.

The null hypotheses in both instances will state that no statistically significant differences will be found among these groups. Differences in opinions between various study groups are expected to become apparent. These differences will help to determine the amount of bias present in opinions regarding housing discrimination among non-Irish nationals. Interpretation of these hypotheses will depend on the consistencies in opinion found between various groups.

Research Questions

The hypotheses will help to determine if the opinions of various groups in Dublin are biased. However, in order to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts being examined, the following research questions will also be explored, in addition to the hypotheses. These research questions will be addressed through specific sets of survey questions.

1. Are there differences in opinion regarding the quality of housing between Irish and non-Irish nationals living in Dublin?

2. Are non-Irish nationals well educated, at least as much as the Irish national population in Ireland?

3. Do non-Irish nationals deserve to become home owners, as much as Irish nationals?

4. Are certain ethnic groups discriminated against more than others?

These research questions will provide the key to developing a greater understanding of the impact of discrimination on non-Irish nationals in obtaining fair housing.

Conclusion

Evidence exists to suggest that non-Irish nationals may be the subjects of housing discrimination in Ireland. However, the studies that do exist may be biased, as they only surveyed one group of people. By comparing the opinions of Irish nationals and non-Irish nationals a better perspective may be gained as to whether discrimination actually exists in regards to housing conditions amongst non-Irish nationals.

One of the key difficulties in assessing discrimination is that it is difficult to prove. If one only relied upon cases that were won in the court system, it is feared that the numbers may not reflect what is actually occurring in the world. However, if one surveys those that are the purported targets of discrimination, the numbers may be inflated. People may blame discrimination for their situation, when in fact, another factor is responsible for their condition. It is difficult to gauge the accuracy of a factor that has a high degree of subjectivity, such as discrimination. This research method will provide a means to gauge more accurately the degree of discrimination present in the housing market. It will compare the opinions of those that are supposedly discriminated against with those that are accused of doing the discrimination. This method is designed to provide a more balanced perspective on the topic.

This research will provide an excellent research methodology that can be used to explore many other similar topics concerning non-Irish living in Ireland. Previous studies laid the ground work for this study by suggesting that there is a need to study this topic. If discrimination is found in the sample population, then it may represent the need to develop policies to help eliminate these biases and provide housing to non-Irish in a fair and equitable manner, just as it does with their Irish counterparts.

Chapter 2: Literature Review

The premise for this study is based on discrepancies in housing styles and types in the 2006 Irish Census. The statistics that led to the undertaking of this research study are not readily discerned. They require that one read the census with a critical and analytical eye. To date, one can find support from the mass media the discriminatory practices are used in against those of non-Irish descent, but these sources are typically laden with opinion and unsupported by academic research. Many of the sources that can be located on the topic are highly biased and cannot be considered anything more than opinion.

The appearance of discrimination exists hidden within Census statistics. In addition to this source, several studies exist that suggest the presence of discrimination against non-Irish in terms of housing, jobs, and other factors (NACD, 2007). Academic research in this area was found to be scarce. That which was found contains too much bias to be considered valid. However, it does serve as an inspiration for the conduct of valid research regarding the presence of discrimination amongst non-Irish nationals living in Dublin.

The following explores the major sources located for use in this research study in depth. It provides a critical analysis of these sources. It may be noted that a considerable amount of time is spent on the Census information, as this work constituted a major piece upon which this research is based.

Housing Characteristics of Irish and non-Irish living in Ireland

Non-Irish often decide to set down roots on the Emerald Isle and become an important part of the Irish landscape. According to the 2006 Irish Census, a majority of non-Irish residents live in cities, with the fewest settling in small towns and rural areas (CSO, 2008). A survey of housing arrangements among the Irish and non-Irish residents in Ireland reveals that key differences exist between the Irish and non-Irish population (CSO, 2008). A breakdown of the housing arrangements by national origin reveals that owner occupied housing is the preferred choice among Irish nationals and UK national living in Ireland (CSO, 2008). However, amongst the other ethnic groups, renting is still the preferred method of attaining housing arrangements (CSO, 2008). No reasons were given for these preferences. An exploration of the reasons for this statistic led to the development of the hypothesis used in this research study.

Major differences were also observed in regards to the age of the dwelling among Irish and non-Irish residents. The largest percentage of Irish nationals live in homes built between 1961 to 1980 (CSO, 2008). Irish nationals have the widest distribution in home ages. Non-Irish tend to live in homes built 2001 or later (CSO, 2008). This may indicate a more recent wave of migration into Ireland. The reasons for this would make excellent future research, but are not included in the current research study. Interestingly, amongst both nationals and non-Irish, the fewest number of persons lived in houses built between 1991 o 1995 (CSO, 2008). During this time, Ireland was undergoing economic difficulties. This statistic may reflect those difficulties, as people could not obtain financing.

The number of detached dwellings was highest for UK headed households and Irish nationals (CSO, 2008). According to the Census, this was a result of a larger number from these groups living in rural settings. Among households headed by other national groups, over 35% lived in flats. While only 7% or Irish nationals live in flats (CSO, 2008). Semi-attached, or terraced dwellings was the most popular form of housing unit among all groups, Irish and non-Irish (CSO, 2008). These statistics are the keys that are quoted in the mass media and are considered support for the existence of discrimination amongst non-Irish nationals. However, these statistics alone are not conclusive evidence that discrimination exists in the Irish housing market against non-Irish.

There may be other factors at play, such as cultural differences that may be behind the statistics. It cannot be assumed that these numbers are a direct indication of bias in the general population. The media and popular literature were quick to make inferences and draw conclusions, but the Census did not indicate the reasons for these differences, only that they exist. These assumptions led to the need for further research into the causes of these differences in housing arrangements between Irish nationals and non-Irish nationals.

Other demographic trends from the Census

Differences in housing arrangements amongst the Irish and non-Irish populations trigger questions as to the reasons for these conditions. However, if one mines the data in the Census further, other characteristics emerge that also indicate the conditions that exist between the Irish and non-Irish in the country. If one looks beyond the type of housing to other factors within the household, a different picture is painted of the impoverished non-Irish on the dole.

Internet access indicates a certain degree of technical practical understanding and connectedness to the rest of the world. It gives a household access to resources that would not be available without it. The households that have internet access was approximately the same among all groups. However, it was about 20% higher in those from E15 to E25 accession states (CSO, 2008). Approximately 40% of all Irish citizens have Internet access, while about 25% have broadband access (CSO, 2008),

The percentage of households that do not have Internet access continues to shrink. These demographics were almost identical for the UK and Irish groups that participated in the survey. The non-Irish in Ireland are not anymore technologically disadvantaged than Irish nationals. This demonstrates a level of education, and employability. If Internet accessibility demonstrates no disparity between the Irish and non-Irish, it would not appear that the non-Irish are any less capable of being employed than the Irish.

Fundamental differences exist in age categorization between the Irish and non-Irish. The largest age category among the Irish nationals was from 20-44. The population of Irish nationals significantly drops off after age 45, with few Irish nationals living there after age 65. Several age populations in this age category are almost nonexistent (CSO, 2008). Among the non-Irish, age demographics are more evenly distributed. Non-Irish nationals tends to have more children than Irish nationals. The age of non-Irish nationals does not drop off severely after age 44.

There is a noticeably higher percentage of non-Irish than Irish in the later years. From the ages of 20-40, the number of Irish nationals if much greater then non-Irish nationals. However, the trend reverses after age 45. At this point, the number of non-Irish begins to out number Irish nationals. This disparity continues to grow as age increases. There are many more non-Irish elderly persons in Ireland than Irish nationals. However, as statistics indicate, they live in flats throughout their life.

Marital statistics among the Irish and Non-Irish demonstrate almost identical trends. The largest majority of the population are either single or married for the first time (CSO, 2008). At nearly 40%, the number of single and married persons far overshadows the number of remarried, separated, divorced, and widowed persons (CSO, 2008). This is an important statistic in terms of the housing market, as married persons represent the largest potential sector for housing market expansion. A majority of Irish and UK nationals were living with their spouse. However, approximately 50% of EU15 to EU25 accession states comprised of persons living with their spouse (CSO, 2008). No reason was given for these differences.

These trends were also reflected in household types by head of household. A majority of households of Irish and UK nationals were headed by a couple, or a couple with children. Other non-Irish nationalities tended to have a higher number of single heads of household, or other arrangements, such as non-family households (CSO, 2008). This may be one factor that sets the non-Irish apart from the Irish in terms of the ability to obtain financing for housing. It is much easier for couples or couples with children to attain financing for housing than for single parents or non-family households.

Single parents are considered to be at a higher risk for default on the loan than couples or couples with children. This may represent one confounding variable that could have an affect on the difference between being unable to attain housing due to discrimination or other risks. Data mining cannot prove causality, but it can help to uncover other variables that can have an impact on the ability to obtain home ownership for non-Irish migrants. One example may be the single parent that is denied housing for lack of income or other risks. This person may feel that they were discriminated against, when their denial was for legitimate reasons on the part of the bank. It is not known if this was the case with studies that indicate self-reported discrimination amongst non-Irish living in Ireland. However, it is a possibility that must be considered in conduct of the current research study.

A majority of persons in Ireland, regardless of nationality have either a secondary or post-secondary level education. Very few only completed the basic educational requirements. These numbers were highest among those from EU 15 to EU 25 accession countries (CSO, 2008). A vast majority of those from the UK and Ireland had either secondary or post-secondary education. Choice of occupation varied among Irish nationals and different nationality groups (CSO, 2008). However, preferences were shown in all groups for the areas of Social Sciences, Business, and Law.

The largest job sector among all segments of the population was the services industry, with industry second, and a small percentage engaged in agriculture (CSO, 2008). It may be noted that Irish nationals had the highest percentage engaged in agriculture, but the other industries continued to overshadow it. The non-Irish tend to belong to lower social classes, as compared to Irish nationals (CSO, 2008). This supports statistics that indicate fewer non-Irish nationals living in rural areas and the number that live in flats.

A critical analysis of the 2006 Census reveals several important factors that may influence the outcome of this research. It is generally held that non-Irish tend to belong to the lower social classes. However, in terms of technological advancement, education, and professional achievement, they appear to be no different than Irish nationals. It appears that they should have the same opportunities as their counterparts in terms of education and ability, but they do not.

One must be careful not to read too much into these Census statistics. There is much conflicting information regarding the differences between the Irish and non-Irish living in Ireland. They appear to be equal in ability, but not in salary or the ability to own a home. The purpose of this research study is to be able to shed light on these statistics and the meaning behind them. One of the key elements that will be examined is if there are any differences between Irish and non-Irish in terms of equal pay for equal jobs. Discrimination in this area could lead to the inability to obtain housing, as could many other potential factors uncovered in the 2006 Census.

Discrimination of non-Irish in Ireland

In a recent survey by the Central Statistics Office in 2004, approximately 12% of the Irish population feel that they have been the victims of discrimination for some reason (Russell, 2009). This was a self-reported survey and did not assess the legal issues of whether discrimination had occurred or not. It addressed the topic of if Irish citizens felt that they had been discriminated against in a number of settings. The highest occurrences of discrimination reported were while looking for work or in the workplace (Russell, 2009). However, the number of Irish reporting discrimination in accessing housing and financial services also ranked high on the list (Russell, 2009).

A few characteristics of the discrimination found in this study are surprising, for instance, the group was divided nearly equally between men and women who reported discrimination. Nearly 45% of the reports of gender-based discrimination were from men (Russell, 2009). The study found that younger people below the age of 25 were more likely to report discrimination than those over 65 (Russell, 2009). Researchers felt that this might have been due to reluctance on the part of older adults to interpret treatment as unequal.

The most significant finding of the study was that nearly 24% of non-Irish national felt that they had been discriminated against in the past two years (Russell, 2009). This is almost double the rate found for discrimination among Irish nationals. Non-Irish nationals felt that they had been discriminated against in seeking housing, in shops/pubs/restaurants, financial services, and transportation (Russell, 2009). Between blacks, Asians, and whites, discrimination was much more frequently reported by blacks than by Asians or other ethnic groups (Ejorh, 2006; Russell, 2009).

Discrimination in the workplace and in obtaining housing were the most significant (Russell, 2009). Only 40% of those that reported discrimination took some action against it. However, only 6% took legal action against it (Russell, 2009). Approximately 25% of the respondents felt that discrimination had a significant impact on their lives, but they did not take any action to correct it (Russell, 2009).

A study conducted by Threshold surveyed Polish migrants regarding housing arrangements in Ireland. Threshold is an agency that tries to find housing assistance for low income families in Ireland. Polish living in Ireland resulted in the highest number of requests for Threshold assistance among non-Irish people (Jordan, 2009). The study revealed that every week ten Threshold clients are threatened with illegal evictions, or ones for which there is no legal grounds. Some are given invalid notices (Jordan, 2009). Nearly 75% of the respondents that reported illegal evictions lived in the private rented sector of the housing market (Jordan, 2009). Some of the respondents had even experienced threats of violence in relation to housing discrimination (Jordan, 2009).

Comparatively, Asian immigrants reported the lowest incidence of discrimination in their needs to deal with Irish institutions (McGinnity, F., O'Connell, P. & Quinn, E. et al., 2006). Black Africans experienced the highest degree of discrimination and continue to face social stereotypes (Broman, 2002). Those of non-EU East European descent reported less discrimination than other ethnic groups (McGinnity, F., O'Connell, P. & Quinn, E. et al., 2006).These results are the basis for the portion of this research that examine differences in discrimination between the various non-Irish groups in Ireland.

The Migrant Experience

The Threshold survey indicated that 54% of migrants preparing to move to Ireland did not have accommodations rented before they arrived (Jordan, 2009). When they arrived, they found that they were relegated to poorly maintained flats that were overcrowded and substandard in many ways (Jordan, 2009). The length of tenancy is not long with 41% staying in their residence for less than one year (Jordan, 2009). This is another factor that could affect their ability to obtain homeownership. Many banks want to see longevity and stability before they will lend to them.

According to the Committee on Racism and Interculturalism, migrants to Ireland typically must settle for worse housing conditions than their Irish counterparts (Silkie, 2008). They are less likely to become home owners and more likely to have difficulty as private renters (Silkie, 2008). Migrants moving to Ireland are more likely to become homeless. They also have a tendency to cluster geographically (Silkie, 2008). Moving to a new country and a new culture are difficult. This study demonstrated that the adjustment of non-Irish may be a limiting factor in their ability to obtain home ownership.

According to Silkie (2008), migrants tend to be more highly qualified than Irish nationals. This research is considered to be highly opinionated and is not backed by sufficient evidence to consider it in lieu of census bureau information. However, in all other categories, this study agrees with a majority of the literature reviewed. For instance, it agrees that non-Irish experience occupational underachievement, tend to live in the private rented sector, and tend to live in poorer accommodations. Lack of income and language barriers tend to be bigger problems than discrimination (Silkie, 2008).

According to Silkie, clustering of the disadvantaged tended to increase the disadvantages as a whole. This study revealed that the perception of racism and harassment varied widely among non-Irish nationals. Nearly 24% of those on the Galway housing list were non-Irish nationals (Madden, 2007). This is a high percentage, considering that these numbers represent migrants.

The information contained in this portion of the study is disturbing from the standpoint that non-Irish nationals are more highly qualified than many Irish nationals, yet they appear to be underpaid and cluster in ethnically segregated bands. Although, they have many economic opportunities, other factors appear to influence their ability to purchase a home. These factors form the basis of the research questions found in this report. A racist incident only needs to be perceived to be racist by the recipient in order to be considered a racist act (Lawrence, 2008). In racism, perception of the victim is everything.

Changes in Immigrant Policy

Recently, a number of changes have taken place in regards to how Ireland treats its immigrants. For instance, as April 2008, Polish peoples, Czechs, and Slovakians were allowed to vote in the Irish National elections (McDonald, 2008). Migrants that wish to vote would have to pass a test on the English language. The reason for this decision is that many migrants decide to take up permanent residence. Ireland also intends to take the make the citizenship ceremony more readily available, allowing migrants to become permanent citizens more easily (McDonald, 2008).

In the past, social rental housing was financed and managed by the state (O'Sullivan, 2004). However, this type of housing only accounts for 7% of the housing stock available in Ireland today. The government is currently working on policies that will help to coordinate the supply and quality of housing for low-income households. This is a necessary step, as a majority of low-income housing is in the hands of private owners. The housing system in Ireland is complex. Every non-profit organization uses a different set of criteria (Rhodes, 2007). Agent behavior in the various organizations also varies drastically, creating a lack of cohesion. This creates a complex system that can be difficult to navigate, especially for those of a different culture. A clear set of guidelines and policies needs to exist regarding rental policies and programs.

Ireland has experienced periods of rapidly rising housing prices in the past. Rising prices in housing have been disproportionate to wages and other expenses. This situation made the ideal of purchasing a house an almost impossible dream for the non-Irish national (Drudy & Punch, 2005). However, this also affects the Irish national as well. However, as we discovered previously, the non-Irish have many other factors that contribute to their inability to obtain home ownership.

Conclusion

Other than the research studies and the Census mentioned in this section, suggest that discrimination amongst non-Irish nationals may be possible. Many studies and the mass media used these suggestions as the basis for sweeping claims that non-Irish nationals are the victims of widespread discrimination. This was supported by a handful of studies that surveyed the supposed victim of abuse. However, a thorough examination of these studies and a critical analysis of the evidence contained in the 2006 Census suggest that other factors may be responsible for the inability to non-Irish nationals to obtain home ownership.

From 1988-1989 almost 70,000 people left Ireland, causing Ireland to drastically change its political approach (Perchinig, Schindlauer, & Tretter, 2003). The Irish population is largely homogeneous except for migrants entering the country (Perchinig, Schindlauer, & Tretter, 2003). In the 1990s, the issue of human rights and discrimination led to the adoption of policies to ensure equality for everyone. The Employment Equality Act of 1998 formed the basis for Irish Anti-discrimination policy (Perchinig, Schindlauer, & Tretter, 2003).

Despite the adoption of these policies, discrimination still exists for groups that cannot access the system. For instance, elderly people may not be able to access the goods and services that they need (Queens' University Belfast, 2009). Many groups now exist to promote equality and acceptance of those of different ethic backgrounds in Ireland. For instance, the Multi-Cultural Resource Centre focuses on promoting equality through empowerment in ethnic communities and individuals (MCRC, 2008).

He literature review found many factors that may be responsible for the inability of the non-Irish to obtain home ownership. Some of the factors discovered were a lack of housing plans prior to entering the country, short time at rental properties, a high incidence of single family homes, and a high number employed in low paying service jobs. Language barriers and the tendency to cluster in neighborhoods of according to ethnicity are also factors that may hinder the ability of non-Irish nationals to obtain home ownership.

These factors form the basis for this research study. Discrimination of non-Irish is considered a "fact" by many; However, discrimination is difficult to prove. Other factors may be the reason for the decision that is made, but it will ultimately be blamed on discrimination rather than these other factors. A gap exists in the current literature that calls for an unbiased comparative study concerning the treatment of non-Irish in terms of obtaining home ownership in Ireland. The literature suggests that discrimination may not exist at all, but that cultural factors are more to blame. This study will use a comparative survey method to help determine if discrimination towards non-Irish may be legitimate, or whether other factors are to blame for the disparities found in the 2006 Census.

Chapter 3: Methodology

The methodology for this study uses a survey technique as the mono method. However, instead of asking them if they feel that they have been discriminated against, it will address the presence of other factors that contribute to the inability of non-Irish to obtain home ownership. One of the key factors that will be addressed is how many of the survey participants have tried to apply for home loans in the past and how many plan to do so in the future. It may be that cultural factors have more of an influence and that housing is a matter of choice, rather than discrimination. The following will explore the rationale used to choose the research methods. It will describe various elements of the research methodology, such as the sample population, data collection procedures and analysis that will be used.

Research Philosophy

One of the most difficult aspects of raw data, such as Census data, is that it can be up to interpretation of the individual. Census data only describes a population. It does not attempt to determine causality. However, for those that do not understand the nature of such data, it is easy to see relationships between various factors and to draw conclusions. This type of false assignment of causation leads to incorrect conclusions and actions as a result.

Several approaches could be taken to explore the question of whether non-Irish face discrimination in the housing market. The first is to look at data, such as the Census, that seem to indicate that non-Irish do not have the same types of housing as Irish nationals. It is difficult to ignore the raw data that indicates that a majority of Irish nationals own homes and a majority of non-Irish live in flats. However, this does not mean that non-Irish are discriminated against in their housing choice. This represents an error of false causation, where one factor is falsely attributed to another. An examination of the problem using Census data could create false causation and attribution that in reality does not exist.

The literature revealed many factors that could contribute to the fact that non-Irish tend to live in flats and opposed to owned homes. Cultural factors and personal choice cannot be ruled out. The purpose of this study is to determine if non-Irish are indeed discriminated against in their ability to obtain home ownership. Several research studies chose a methodology that focused on one particular non-Irish group and surveyed their feelings about discrimination. They used a direct method that focused on their feelings of whether they had been discriminated against in the past.

However, even the researchers of these studies discussed the problems with this method. First, the study used a sample that was already exposed to the idea that they were discriminated against. Discrimination against non-Irish, particularly groups such as Blacks, is a topic of discussion in those communities. They make comparisons to Irish nationals and non-community members, which leads them to conclude that they are discriminated against. The study subjects may have simply echoed the cultural norms and ideals of the community surrounding them. This would cause the survey results to be skewed in favor of a biased non-Irish population.

The second problem with this type of study method is one of definition. One can write a formal definition of discrimination that reads something like, "being treated unfairly, or being passed over for an opportunity, based on one's religion, sex, age, or ethnicity." This is an adequate definition as far as academics are concerned. However, the subject of discrimination in practice is much more complex than this. A person may feel that they are discriminated against, when in actuality other factors were responsible for the actions taken against them. Discrimination is an easy scapegoat, but is difficult to define in the real world.

Discrimination is a judgment call and is simply an opinion. It is unlikely that the one accused of discrimination and the accuser will agree as to the definition and application of that definition as it applies to the circumstance. The only certainty in that situation is that an accusation of discrimination will divide the two parties in such as manner that they will never agree. This factor makes it difficult to assess whether discrimination reported in research studies represents a real case of discrimination or a warped perception of the situation.

In order to overcome this difficulty, one could use actual cases of discrimination won in courts. However, the pitfalls of this methodology have already been discussed. The purpose of the study is to determine if discrimination exists in regards to housing opportunities available to the non-Irish population of Dublin. It is suggested that only a few actual cases of discrimination can actually be proven in a court of law. The key difficulty in winning a discrimination case is the veil of perception discussed earlier. Very few cases can actually pass the rigors of the court system.

However, just because few discrimination cases can pass the rigors of the court system, it does not mean that discrimination did not occur. It is likely that using court judgments as the basis for determining if discrimination occurs or has occurred would result in many real cases of discrimination being overlooked. This would skew the results of the study in favor of equality.

As one can see, the problem of determining if discrimination has occurred is difficult from an empirical standpoint. Certain methods will result in a lower attribution of discrimination, while other will result in false positive results. The same problem can be found in the study of many other research subjects. However, the topic of discrimination has many legal and moral implications that make it a pressing issue in terms of social reform and the future of Ireland.

In order to resolve these issues, this research has chosen to use a survey method that will tell both sides of the story. It will take the approach that the non-Irish will have different feelings about their situation than Irish nationals. This research method will capture the feelings of both groups through the use of a survey instrument. This research instrument will not ask directly if the person feels discriminated against. It will approach the topic through subtly worded questions that will reveal the presence of discrimination if it exists. It will differ from previous survey techniques used to study this topic in its approach to the subject matter.

Approach

The study will take place in Dublin, as it is the largest city in Ireland and one with a high concentration of non-Irish population. Sample participants will range in age from 25-44 years old and will represent a number of ethnic backgrounds. For those of mixed Irish/other origin, they will be asked to choose with which culture they most identify. The study will use 200 Irish nationals and 200 non-Irish living in Dublin. A random sampling method will be used and the research will have no control over the composition of the non-Irish group in terms of ethnicity. The study will survey both males and females within the specified age range.

Several agencies in the Dublin area will be used to help recruit subjects. The surveys will be dropped off and collected at a specified time at the agencies. Quotas for Irish and non-Irish participants will be established for each of the agencies utilized. No difficulties are anticipated in the collection of data for this study. The study will target those that have been living in Ireland for more than six months.