Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

At times such as this, it is only natural and right that we look at our workforce needs and what needs to be done to address any shortfalls in labour availability. Employment permits are an important factor in filling vacancies or meeting employment demands in areas where there are shortages of the necessary skills in our economy. Exceptional circumstances may, therefore, present the idea that it is right and proper that our employment permits legislation be adopted to address these shortcomings.

At the Committee on Public Petitions, we heard of the needs of the hospitality sector. We heard there is an incredible shortfall of staff in the sector. We heard a call to add certain skill sets to the critical skills list in the sector. The discussion dealt with the educational qualifications to become eligible under the list and so on. It displayed for the committee the changing nature of needs within particular sectors and the requirement for further suggestions on how to address legislation that has been described as tired and dated. All perspectives must be listened to and examined for their pros and cons, their potential benefits and pitfalls. While this Bill may be of benefit to the sectors in need of skilled workers, we must ensure it does not come at the cost of the workers' rights.

The Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment has also heard there is evidence to suggest that the employment rights of workers under the permit system, such as levels of pay and conditions of employment, are, in some instances, ignored. There are concerns in this House that the Bill, as it currently stands, is focused solely on increasing flexibility for employers with no attempt to protect workers' rights. Take the suggestion of introducing the seasonal employment permit. I can understand why it is seen as an option but if one looks more closely, there is a lack of detail that the committee has identified. Members raised concerns over the temporary nature of these permits, the protection and enforcement of workers' rights and entitlements, and noted the need for ongoing monitoring of any impact of the permit in depressing wages and to ensure the protection of workers' rights. The committee has suggested that the general employment permit should be adapted to meet the need for seasonal employment. I urge the Department to look again at the committee's recommendations.

The Bill is not all bad. I welcome that it provides for additional conditions for the grant of an employment permit, such as training or accommodation support for migrant workers in some circumstances, or making innovation or upskilling a condition of the grant. We feel the Bill needs additional amendments to make it fit for purpose. It still leaves migrant workers open to serious exploitation. While permits are an important contributor to various sectors, the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Education and Higher and Further Education, Research, Innovation and Science must focus on equipping students with critical skills in areas where we have skills shortages, as well as improving pay and conditions and the attractiveness of the positions.

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