Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

I move amendment No. 38:

In page 8, to delete line 14.

This amendment was debated on Committee Stage. The intention behind it is to limit an application for a work permit to the employee and to exclude the employer. On Committee Stage, the Minister acknowledged that the Bill's general thrust will be to ensure the work permit will be the property of the employee. In the past, some people were in bonded servitude to an employer who often threatened individuals who refused to comply with unreasonable demands with the withdrawal of accommodation or deportation. Unfortunately, I have personal experience of dealing with such individuals and with rogue employers of that kind. To resolve this problem, the right to make an application for a work permit should rest with the employee only and should not be made by the employer. The Minister of State made a coherent argument on the matter on Committee Stage. It is not that what I suggested is not right, but that it would be unreasonable to exclude entirely any circumstances where an employer might be the applicant. I wonder if there has been further consideration of this matter because I am still minded to push my own amendment which shifts the balance properly in protecting workers' rights. It is a view that is shared by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. From practical experience, I believe it would strengthen the protection of workers and lessen the prospect of exploitation.

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