Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Yes. I understand what the Deputy is endeavouring to achieve with amendments Nos. 157 and 162. Under the new arrangements provided for in the Bill, the permit will be issued to the worker who will, therefore, know when the first permit expires as the date will be on it. If he or she does not receive a renewal permit shortly after the expiry of the first permit, he or she will know that one has not been granted. If an employer refuses to apply for a renewal permit, the Department will continue to favourably consider a work permit application in respect of the person concerned. Section 9(2)(d) of the Bill provides that the employment permit will contain an explicit statement that a new application for the grant of an employment permit may be made by the worker himself or herself. The matter is covered.

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