Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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The feedback is very positive. We have a number of other changes on the horizon now with the single-use system, which will be more efficient in terms of the dual process of applying for a work permit, and a visa secondary to that. We will make it much simpler. Second, it is important that the permit follows the worker. That will make it more agile and make the system stronger for workers, and they will have better conditions as well. The many changes, simplifying the system and having a portal now where there is a single permit application are very important. There has been significant progress, which has been welcomed. The view I get is that it is working very well. We have had a huge increase in the number of permit applications in recent weeks. We are seeing a strong requirement. It could hit more than 40,000 across the economy this year, which is significant. It also points out the constraints currently in the labour market.