Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The safeguards inherent in section 24 are designed to combat fraudulent use or trafficking in work permits in respect of employment which, for example, may no longer exist where the employee has been made redundant or has left the employment for some other reason. The requirement to surrender the permit or a copy within four weeks of termination of employment must be seen in this context. If permits were to be left in circulation for longer periods, the risk of their use for illegal employment purposes would increase significantly. This is why failure to comply with this requirement is described as an offence. However, there are defences if the employer or employee concerned can demonstrate that reasonable steps had been taken to surrender the permit. Hence, given the safeguards within the Bill, there is no requirement to accept the amendment. The balance is correct in the Bill.

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