Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)

This issue should also be teased out on Committee Stage because it is important.

I welcome a number of positive provisions in the legislation such as making it an offence for an employer to take and keep documents such as passports. Migrant workers are vulnerable and they have sufficient reason to be frightened and scared without their passports being withheld. Those who are considered to be in Ireland illegally may have their status changed, which is also welcome. More migrants workers will be needed in the coming years and the permit process should be as smooth and positive as possible so that they become part of our economy and welcome members of the wider community.

See this speech in context