Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I thank the Joint Committee on European Affairs and its Chairman, Deputy Deasy, for instigating this novel idea in the context of Europe Day. I congratulate all the committee members on the manner in which in they have organised such a ground-breaking new model for discussing an issue in the Dáil Chamber. The report is timely considering we have had two relevant items of legislation recently in the Oireachtas, namely the Employees (Provision of Information and Consultation) Bill and the Employment Permits Bill.

Fine Gael has supported the liberal arrangements that have been brought forward by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to ensure employers, but above all employees, have more discretion in regard to work permits and more opportunity to transfer from one place of employment to another. This proposed legislation is progressing through the Houses of the Oireachtas and will, I hope, become law by 1 July. When enacted, those two Bills will be seen as a major step forward in providing measures that will integrate workers into the workforce.

Migrant workers need considerable assistance in a number of areas, especially in terms of education. Irish people also need to be educated about the importance of migration. We have come a long way in economic terms, from a high level of unemployment to relatively low levels and many sectors of the economy require additional skills. In recent months it has come to the attention of those interested in enterprise matters that there are skills shortages in the areas of toolmaking, mechanics, nursing and the pharmaceutical sector. In all these areas, migration will make an important contribution to the Irish economy. We need additional workers. Recent figures released by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment show that the largest number of work permits are issued to people from South Africa, the Philippines and India. The type of skills shortages we have can be solved by people from the countries in question.

One issue that has clouded the debate on migration in recent times has been the exploitation of workers from foreign countries. The Gama Construction workers from Turkey provide a perfect example which has been highlighted here on many occasions. The sorry debacle of the Irish Ferries dispute, which was brought about not by the foreign workers but by the employer involved, is disgraceful and highlights the fact that legislation on maritime law must be tightened not only at national but at European level to ensure workers are protected in this area as they are more open to exploitation than workers in other sectors.

The report before us makes a number of recommendations which include a network of drop-in centres for migrants and greater co-operation and co-ordination between the statutory bodies involved in inspection and enforcement of the range of legislation in place to protect workers' rights. I trust the Minister will bring forward new measures and regulations in due course arising from the partnership talks that will not only assist us in regard to the assimilation of migrant workers into our economy but will also contribute to removing some of the prejudice that has built up, particularly due to some union members in recent times in regard to the potential displacement of workers and their worries about employment standards. We want employment standards that are good for all workers, irrespective of whether they are Irish or from another jurisdiction.

I commend the Polish Government which recently initiated a campaign to publicise the appropriate routes for finding jobs in Ireland and restricting the activities of unscrupulous and careless employment agencies. That model could be used by other member states, recent accession states or countries like Bulgaria or Romania that are seeking to gain access to the European Union.

I raised the issue of the training of workers at another forum today. I am most concerned that workers from outside the EU arrive in this jurisdiction without being properly trained for work on construction sites in particular. There has been a significant increase in fatalities in the construction sector of 44% in 2005 over the 2004 figure. Employers have not taken responsibility for workers they know are not up to the job for which they have been employed and if workers do not have the necessary information and training, it is a form of exploitation. FÁS should provide migrant workers with basic training not only in the areas in which they work but also in English because language may be a barrier in providing the appropriate training, which is essential for all workers on sites.

Ireland is not properly prepared for migrants. It is clear the Government does not have an immigration policy but a policy is needed as soon as possible. I call on the Minister and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to address this as quickly as possible. Integration of migrant workers is essential to ensure the prejudices that arise through ignorance are eliminated. The debate on workers from applicant countries such as Romania, Bulgaria and Macedonia will come into play in the near future. These countries must fulfil economic and other criteria to prove they are fit to become Union members. However, as an enthusiastic member of the European project, the Fine Gael Party would like new applicant countries to be in position to join the Union as soon as possible rather than ensuring they are kept out of this important and successful project.

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