Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The issues surrounding work permits are ongoing. There have been welcome improvements, but the system is far from satisfactory. As we enter the peak season, hospitality, hotels, pubs and entertainment providers are in desperate need of staff. Agriculture, transport, meat processing and healthcare providers continue to battle staff shortages. Some 79% of IT companies report difficulty in finding skilled talent. It was reported recently that four in five Irish companies are struggling to attract talent as Ireland endures its worst labour shortage for 17 years. The entire area of work permits is weighed down by bureaucracy, it is too slow, it is not fulfilling its purpose and it must be revisited. Labour shortage is a huge issue in Tipperary and across the country. The Government must act to remove restrictions on international recruitment and allow the work permit process to be more flexible.

See this speech in context