Mr. Cormac Healy:

I wish to clarify that 20% of the workforce rather than 80% of the workforce are on work permits. A specific quota of them have been issued. In general there is not a requirement to provide accommodation to those workers. It is not something that has been custom and practice. There is a requirement that the employer would work with a permit holder to source accommodation. The workers are not committed to using that, but many of them will use it in the first instance. I believe that accommodation is also checked to verify that piece of the permit legislation is being done and that the employer is helping them sourcing accommodation.

I agree with the Deputy that the hot-bedding, as was referred to, should not be tolerated. Despite the perception that is out there, the industry is not involved in mass provision of accommodation. It has to do specific things for the work permit colleagues who come in, but beyond that I do not think it is or has been a feature of the terms of employment.