Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We have not discussed the seasonal work permits yet. I am concerned because we will come into a period of mass unemployment at the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. I am concerned the Department still seems determined to have recourse to these work permits in that situation.

The following point was made in a committee two years ago. If there is a case for seasonal workers, surely someone in the sector should have to go to a forum of the State where he or she can explain why that is needed. Why is there a lack of transparency in that process? I will give a final example. There are masses of students looking for summer work at the minute. Why are we not first giving those people the opportunities to take up these seasonal jobs, as opposed to reaching for the work permits?