Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

——to the Employment Permits Bill and is a matter for consideration in the context of the forthcoming immigration and residence Bill sponsored by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. We have worked with that Department to dovetail many of the provisions of this legislation with the immigration and residence Bill.

In practice, the position at present is that within three months of taking up employment, a work permit holder must register with the Garda Síochána. On registration, permission to reside in the State is granted and a registration card is issued. The expiry date on this registration card is the same as that stipulated on the employment permit. Accordingly, I am not in a position to accept the Deputy's amendment. However, I can undertake to discuss the matter with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell.

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