Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister; that is very helpful. Just before I came in here, I spoke to two care workers who have received deportation orders. Their concern now is that one of their work permits has expired and the other will expire in the next couple of weeks. That does not help us because it means that two care workers who could be doing very useful and vital work during the pandemic are unable to because they do not have work permits. They cannot apply to extend their work permits because of the refusal of leave to remain they have received. It is complex and it is hard for me to know how to advise them. Based on what the Minister has just said, I take it that they should make an appeal, reiterating and outlining all the circumstances they have faced and are facing, along with the details of the basis for appeal. I take it that the Department will look favourably on that, particularly in the case of care workers, artists and other people who make a contribution to our community.

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