Ms Fiona Ward:

In relation to employment agencies, EU workers do not come within the scope of the general scheme. EU workers come here under freedom of movement in the EU treaties. Under the employee permit system, employment agencies are not allowed to apply, and are precluded from applying, for employment permits for non-EEA migrant workers. For the employment permit system, there has to be a direct employer-employee relationship in place.

In relation to remuneration for employment permits, it is a matter of striking a balance between ensuring the employee is attracted to work in the State, while also ensuring it does not have a disruptive impact on the domestic labour market. That is the balance we strike in relation to remuneration.