David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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There have been instances in the past where inquiries have been undertaken by, for example, the Workplace Relations Commission that have led to the delaying or the holding up of work permits being issued. I would stress the need for any such inquiries to be expedited. For instance, if someone makes a false accusation against an employer and, as a result, an inquiry is instigated, while that inquiry is ongoing, any application for work permits is stalled. Everyone, therefore, is on hold and in a way is suffering. The business cannot go ahead and may be under pressure. The employee may be trying to come in from abroad and cannot do so, and perhaps is waiting on tenterhooks and may go elsewhere. I emphasise that if any inquiry is ongoing, it should not interfere with the work permit process or should be expedited so that this whole thing is not delayed. I have come across a few such instances. I can understand why it happens but it is something about which we need clarity. Employers should be told pretty quickly if a complaint is made against them. They should be informed very quickly, for natural justice reasons if nothing else. If somebody makes a complaint against the Minister, the Minister should be informed about who makes a complaint, why it has been made and what it is. We must not have something bubbling away in the background that is causing a problem to the company. I feel strongly about that and it is something we must tighten up on.