Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We will go with the recommendations. We will invite in representatives of the State bodies and try to get one of the three to take responsibility for this matter.

It has been going on too long. The campaign has the backing of 28 councils, TDs, Senators and so on but, as Senator Craughwell said, it also has the support of 92 of the men's relatives, and that should be the main thing.

Petition No. 2 of 2024, "Fairness for Existing Work Permit Holders: We want to stay and contribute", from Mr. Ka Wai Ho, states:

As an individual deeply affected by the recent change in the minimum salary requirement for General Employment Permits, I am seeking your support through this petition. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has announced an increase to €39,000, effective from January 2025. This sudden and significant increase has left many permit holders, including myself, facing an uncertain future in Ireland.

While I understand and respect the government's need to regulate in the best interest of the nation, I am deeply concerned about the potential impact this change could have on my life and the lives of many others. We have made Ireland our home, contributing to its economic growth and societal diversity.

This petition is not in opposition to the policy change, but rather a plea for consideration for those of us who are existing permit holders. The prospect of potentially having to leave the country due to not meeting the new salary requirement is deeply unsettling.

I urge the government to consider a transition plan or a grandfather clause for existing permit holders, allowing those of us who have been contributing to Irish society to continue to do so without fear of displacement.

I kindly request your support in this matter. Your signature can help ensure that my voice, and the voices of others in my situation, are heard. Thank you for your consideration.

The recommendation is that the correspondence from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment be forwarded to the petitioner for comment within 14 days. Do members have a view?