Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

That is a useful suggestion that I would not rule out and that we could pursue because it could be built into the compliance model. I have taken a fairly hard line with regard to some employers. One of the easiest things to say to employers is that if they are found guilty of flouting employment and labour law, they need not bother to reapply for a work permit. That would be a very simple way of concentrating their minds. We had a very high profile case regarding the methodologies we use that has concentrated minds. It has ended up in the higher courts. Some of the feedback from the employers' side indicates that they are not overly enthused about the robust provisions of the 2006 Act. However, we have no alternative other than to do this to ensure we send a very clear statement that we will not tolerate any abuses of Irish employment and labour law or exploitation of Irish workers irrespective of class, creed or colour.

See this speech in context