Some 80% of people back the idea that restrictions should be placed on the number of non-nationals who are allowed to come to Ireland.

Just over half said they strongly agreed with restrictions, while 26% slightly agreed.

The findings are significant, as a decision is expected within weeks on Bulgaria and Romania's membership of the European Union. Both countries are likely to be EU members by the start of next January, and there is a growing view in government circles here that restrictions should be placed on the number of Bulgarian and Romanians who will legally be allowed to work in Ireland. Politicians in both countries have argued against such a move, saying there is unlikely to be a repeat of the migration levels into Ireland seen when countries such as Poland joined the EU in 2004.

Despite the arguments that foreign workers are needed to fill job vacancies here, only 56% of respondents in today's poll agreed with the proposition that the contribution of non-national workers was necessary to sustain recent economic growth. Almost 30% disagreed that the economy needed non-national workers.

The poll findings will be viewed with keen interest by the main political parties, all of which have been picking up immigration as a voter concern in their own private research. Figures from this year's census show that around 400,000 foreign workers are now resident in Ireland. The non-national population is estimated at 10% of the overall population.

According to the poll, some 60% of respondents believe that "traditional Irish culture and values" are being lost due to the increase in non-nationals living and working here.

Thirty-six percent strongly agreed with this viewpoint, while 24% slightly agreed.

Only 25% of poll respondents disagreed . . . 13% slightly and 12% strongly . . . that immigration was having a negative impact on 'traditional Irish culture and values'.

POLL RESULTS 14-16