Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As a newly elected Deputy from Kildare, the issue of au pair placement was one of the first that crossed the threshold of my office in Newbridge. It was a matter that had arisen during the campaign. I commend Deputy Rabbitte on the swift manner in which she has brought the Bill before us. I also welcome those in the Gallery who are here to give support for this Bill and also to seek protection for themselves and the visitors from abroad whom they welcome into their homes.

Much has been said about the WRC's landmark decision involving the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland. With this case, MRCI has quite correctly exposed the fact that very occasionally au pairing is being used as a cover for the exploitation of illegal immigrants as child-care workers. That exploitation needs to be exposed and we must ensure that we, as a society, stamp it out. However, I passionately believe this is absolutely the exception rather than the rule. I have witnessed very warm, loving families extending their welcome and great friendship to the au pairs they have in their homes.

I welcome legislation to ensure au pairs and host families are fully aware of their rights and responsibilities. Like Deputy Bríd Smith, I have had the very positive experience of being an au pair abroad and I have always resisted the idea of classifying au pairs as domestic workers whereby the spirit and tradition of the au pair being welcomed as part of the family to learn the language would be lost.

The lack of definition of "au pair" in Irish legislation has created a legal limbo for both host families and au pairs. On average 20,000 households host au pairs in Ireland each year. Most of them come from other EU countries and participate on English language programmes while here. Au pair placement agencies have indicated that this could be reduced by 80% if legislation is not brought in to give clarity to the au pair-host family relationship. This is a very common situation in Kildare given that 50% of workers living in Kildare work outside the county. I know many families who rely on the au pair system to help support their working lifestyles, and who consequently have developed lifelong friendships and relationships both interpersonal and with our country.

Many au pairs' families come to visit and travel our country supporting Irish tourism. Essentially, the au pair is an individual who wishes to improve his or her knowledge of the English language by undertaking an au pair arrangement through residing with a family. These families, who have used reputable agencies, now find themselves in limbo.

Families now feel that their way of life is under attack. They have tailored their working hours, other child-care arrangements and even their choice of schools to be able to engage in au pair arrangements. In many cases these are families to which I referred last Friday when supporting the repeal of FEMPI. Public servants who have been hit hard over the past seven years need to find the best arrangement to suit their families, as they continue to work.

Deputy Coppinger read into the record correspondence that she received. I wish to read into the record correspondence I received from a constituent yesterday. This public servant contacted me initially in March, concerned as to how her family would continue to function if she could no longer bring au pairs into her home. This teacher, mother, wife and education colleague articulated very clearly her concerns. She initially thought she would not be able to attend today's debate, as she would have no one to look after her boys while she was collecting her au pair of two years ago from the airport at lunchtime.

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The au pair came back because she wanted to spend time here. She agreed to mind the children and be with them while their mother attended this debate.

There is much more I would like to say about this issue, but I will hand over to my colleague, Deputy Jack Chambers.

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