Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I, too, wish to sympathise with the family of late Tom Burke. He was a massive friend of my late father and, indeed, all of us since we were elected to the Dáil.

I wish to raise the issue of work permits for people from non-EU countries to help with the housebuilding programme and in many other areas. In Killarney, Michael Cronin Readymix and Thermohouse is looking for 20 people right away. Michael Cronin tells me he could employ up to 100 more if he could get the people. In the hospitality sector, there are places such as Scotts Hotel and Gleneagle Hotel and there is also the Roughty Valley Co-operative Society, a piggery, waiting for 50 of these. I believe the permits are on the desk of the Minister of State, Deputy English. I know he is a very good man, but there is a shortage of staff in that office. I ask the Tánaiste to advance as quickly as possible whatever Bill he is due to bring to the Chamber in the next few months. It is of paramount importance to employers because they cannot get staff.

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