Ollie Crowe (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Dr. McGann from IBEC and Mr. Berney from ICTU, for their contributions. Overall, the Bill will make a significant impact by allowing greater flexibility for employment permits and modernising the existing legislation. Pre-Covid, there was significant feedback from sectors including agriculture about how challenging it was for operators to fill certain positions. The introduction of seasonal work permits will go some way to addressing this.

I take ICTU's point about the uncertainty around what the economy will look like after Covid. However, my clear understanding is that in all countries which have seasonal work permits, including all our fellow EU member states, there has been a constant need for the permit regardless of the economy. The most stark example is probably in Greece. At the height of its crisis, despite extremely high levels of unemployment, evidence shows there was still a need for the seasonal work permit. I also appreciate ICTU's concerns around enforcement regarding any exploitation of the scheme and the terms and conditions for these workers. The Department has said workers on a seasonal work permit will have their entitlements upheld which is welcome. We need to ensure this is the case. If not, severe penalties should be put in place to deter the minority who may consider exploiting workers on such a scheme, including substantial financial penalties, and that any such exploitation will bar companies from future participation in the scheme. That would be vital.

I have two questions for Dr. McGann. She outlined valid concerns around the implementation of the 50:50 rule. Is there any obvious solution to that or is it simply a case that Revenue needs to adjust how it carries out its oversight role? Will Dr. McGann explain more about IBEC's proposal for Ireland to introduce a programme such as the lower skills occupations visa in Canada or the essential skills work visa in New Zealand? My knowledge is limited enough but friends have used the essential skills visa in New Zealand, and built up very successful careers and lives there and speak very highly of it. Will Dr. McGann outline what they offer that the general employment permit does not? Is IBEC aware of challenges or issues such programmes have presented in Canada or New Zealand?