Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I hope so and I will be following this on Committee Stage to ensure that this is not a measure merely to suit our needs, particularly in respect of people on short-term stays. We must promote Ireland as an attractive location for people to come to.

I have serious concerns about the protection of migrant workers. The main concern is that we have not changed the fact that the employee is in a state of servitude, regardless of the checks implemented after that. If the employer holds the permit, he or she is in a position of remarkable power compared with someone who may not speak English as a first language, may not be well educated and may not have the confidence to deal with the legal or State support systems. This plays into the hand of the employer.

How will we deal with transitional issues where someone wishes to leave one employer for another? How long will this take and what are the rights of the worker in this situation? This must be teased out and improved on Committee Stage.

On Private Members' business last night we debated the matter of Irish Ferries. New workers from outside the EU must not be seen as a cheap option to undercut the Irish workforce. It is vital we provide access to the Human Rights Commission, the Labour Court and the full array of State facilities that provide support to migrant workers. If we do not do so, we will create a frightening culture, as suggested by Deputy Howlin, if there is an economic downturn and unemployment rises. Those without jobs will immediately blame Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats but the second instinct will be to blame migrant workers.

To date we have handled this matter reasonably well although canvassing door to door exposes the shocking extent of racism.

See this speech in context