Monaghan County Council has approved a new Migrant Integration Strategy which aims to "ensure the integration of all those who live in County Monaghan".
The strategy will build upon initiatives and activities that are already in place to help the migrant community get involved in all aspects of community life.
The Monaghan Migrant Integration Strategy was developed following consultation with the migrant population and service providers in the county.
Social Inclusion officer Bernie Bradley presented the strategy at a recent Monaghan County Council meeting, which was developed in line with the national strategy.
She said many migrants faced racism in the community and said it was important to "dispel the myths which drive racism".
She also cited language barriers and access to health services and employment as obstacles to integration.
However, Independent Councillor Seamus Treanor opposed the Council's approvement of the strategy.
While he said some skilled migrants contribute to the healthcare system and do a lot of good work here, he added that too many "low skilled" migrants who come here "have to be subsidised".
He also claimed that "too many bogus migrants make use of the gravy train that allows them to stay here" and that they "take precedence over local people".
Cathoirleach Colm Carthy repeatedly asked Councillor Treanor to ask a question instead of making statements based on "supposed facts he heard from other people".
Councillor Aoife McCooey said she "totally disagreed" with Councillor Treanor's comments and Colm Carthy ended the exchange by remarking that "it's amazing what people believe that they read on the internet".
