Dáil debates

Wednesday, 12 May 2010

3:00 pm

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I put it to the Minister of State that the lazy approach that has been taken on the reform of work authorisations, whether permits or green cards, is costing the Irish economy and costing potential Irish jobs. Is it not the case that three years ago there was a shortage of labour to fill job vacancies and now there is a shortage of jobs, and we need to attract people into this country who will create jobs?

I also put it to the Minister of State that what we have now is enterprising inaction within the Department rather than innovation. Is it not the case that his Department, along with the Department of Health and Children, has failed to reform the visa and work authorisations for non-consultant hospital doctors that is leading to a situation where accident and emergency departments will close this summer? Is it not the failure by the Minister of State and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to reform the international education sector that is costing us a potential 6,000 new jobs?

I congratulate the Minister, Deputy O'Keeffe on his appointment. One of the key recommendations of the Innovation Taskforce report is that incentives be provided to highly qualified students to remain in Ireland post qualification. What steps are being taken under the green card system to allow that to happen?

Can the Minister of State explain why a document published on the Department's website this month about green cards does not carry the correct title of the immigration service and nor does it show a link to its website?

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.