Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)

I move amendment No. 16:

In page 6, between lines 7 and 8, to insert the following:

""family" means spouse, partner (opposite or same sex) and children of a permit holder;".

This amendment inserts a definition of the family to facilitate the inclusion of amendment No. 101, which inserts a new section on the entitlements of a permit holder. Migrant workers make an enormously valuable contribution to our economy. In facilitating a position where family members can join permit holders it is vital that we view such permit holders as more than just a cog in the wheel of an economy. We must see them in the round and recognise the contribution they make. In doing so, we must recognise the needs of individuals to have their families with them. That is the essence of these amendments.

It is important and crucial that permit holders have the same rights and entitlements as members of the host society. Why would they not have the same rights, given that they are playing an equally important role in this economy and society? Central to this issue is the entitlement to the same tax and social benefits which the host community enjoys.

If this amendment is not accepted, the consequence will be that migrant workers may face years of separation from their families, in particular their partners and children, and no Irish person wants to see that happening. It was inflicted on us for long enough, for economic reasons. Family members, often the head of the household as it was termed then, had to go abroad to Britain, the United States or elsewhere and families had to endure years of separation. That is not the humane way of dealing with the issue.

I urge the Minister of State to accept my amendments and the inclusion of a new section on the entitlements of work permit holders. That would move us towards a more humane system of dealing with permit holders.

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