David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. The numbers are higher than I thought they might be, according to those the Minister of State has given. Will the change the Minister of State proposes, or which I hope he will propose, to allow spouses to work require primary legislation or can it be done via a statutory instrument?

Is the Minister of State aware that in recent days, Canada launched a tech talent strategy and a digital nomad strategy specifically designed to attract people of high talent to Canada? This includes the ability of spouses, dependants and partners to work at anything when they arrive. It is completely open. I have met some employers who told me that the prohibition on spouses and partners, who are often also people of talent and ability, being able to work when they get here has put high quality people off coming here in the past. They refused to come because of that prohibition. Will the Minister of State give this urgent attention and change the rules to allow these people to also work when they arrive? He can imagine what it is like when they arrive here and are at home all day unable to work. The other available avenue is quite difficult, as the Minister of State will be aware.

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