Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is undoubtedly the case that cafés and restaurants add a great deal to the character of our cities, towns and villages. We want them to be viable and to support them. The Government has been very supportive of the sector over recent years and that has been acknowledged. Labour availability is a challenge. We have unemployment of approximately 4.5%. That is a good news story. Our country is essentially at full employment. Our colleagues in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are constantly reviewing the employment permit system. There is a plan to move towards an integrated single application for the visa and the permit. That is an important reform. It is complex and will take time but it is important work that will help to bring the labour we need into Ireland in a more time-efficient way.

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