Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank our witnesses for coming today. Mr. Drennan stated that the regulatory regime targets the compliant rather than the non-compliant. I am interested to hear more about what could be done to target the non-compliant and relieve the pressures on compliant businesses.

Mr. Drennan mentioned the huge increase in the number of direct sailings between Ireland and mainland Europe and stated it has led to a €300 increase in costs per journey. Does he see the number of direct sailings changing any time soon? The market responded to demand at the time. Does he see it changing as the challenges of Brexit are ironed out? Does he see a return to using the land bridge in the future and a reduction in the number of direct sailings?

I am always amazed to hear various industries talk about the shortage of employees and the challenges they have in getting workers. At the same time, we have a serious challenge with economic migrants coming into the country. Many people coming from particular countries would dearly love an opportunity to work. That is why they come to Ireland. Some may say that some of them are circumventing the rules by presenting as an asylum seeker for six months in the knowledge that they will be able to work after that. Are there any countries we could have visa arrangements with to help Mr. Drennan's industry overcome the shortage of workers, reduce the number of people seeking asylum or other forms of international protection and reduce the pressure on the State?