Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

I am not convinced there is an argument in terms of advertising or searching for the job. There is no reason the employer could not still do all of that — place an advertisement, seek an interview system and so on. After the appointment, however, when it comes to the application for a work permit, the idea is that it should be the purview of the employee. It does not impact on the advertising, interviewing and appointment procedure but it is the next phase that I have in mind. I accept that the new regime envisaged in the Bill is an improvement on the old system whereby an employee might never see the work permit. The threat of expulsion from accommodation or from the State was real and it happened in some cases.

I am not convinced by the Minister of State's arguments. It would be a better mechanism if the application, holding and transfer of the work permit resided with the individual employee. Unfortunately, if one allows an either/or strategy, it will be a matter for the employer who will then have leverage over people who are unfamiliar with the law and workers' rights. They may not be members of a trade union and may not be properly briefed so, therefore, they will continue to be exploited in future in ways of which we have seen real and practical examples in the past.

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