Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegations for their presentations, two of which referred to work permits. I am contacted from time to time by representatives of the transport industry who experience difficulties in recruiting drivers. I have never been contacted by someone in the agriculture and construction sectors. What is the experience of the organisations in dealing with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation? What refusal rate are they experiencing?

Water charges are linked with the issue of commercial rates which has been mentioned by other groups that have appeared before the joint committee. Local authorities vary the rates hugely, which impacts on farming, as well as business. The delegates have said they are seeking uniformity, which makes sense. Are they looking for the pricing model to be transferred to the new utility regulator? In doing so, they need to be mindful that their members will experience a lift in the areas of the local authorities that charge less if the rates are averaged out.

The upcoming legislation to amend the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 has been flagged by a number of groups, including at last week's meeting. It came up in the context of the proposed data centre in Athenry. We have kicked around the concept of data centres. Wind energy was also mentioned. What else would the CIF recommend that should be considered in the proposed legislation?

What interactions have the organisations had with the Department on the apprenticeship scheme? The shortage of chefs is an ongoing issue, but I am particularly interested in shortages in the agriculture sector.