Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Sorry, no, I have got Mr. Fenn's answer, which was quite detailed but which still does not solve the sector's problems. Perhaps it should be considered whether or not any moves the sector or some employers are making are sufficient, and perhaps others are making no moves at all. I imagine that if things in the sector do not improve, the staff shortage is set to continue.

The RAI referred to the delays with work permits, explaining the length of the delays and the problems it is causing. Perhaps the committee could write to the Minister asking about this, whether it is a real problem and whether it is posing a problem for recruitment. That might be an idea.

On that point, Unite has expressed concerns about non-EU workers coming here, including Ukrainian refugees, due to their vulnerability in the context of language barriers and their precarious position in society generally and that this would lead to their being exploited. Can the witnesses comment as to what steps their industry is taking to alleviate those concerns?