Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have a system according to which we decide what roles qualify for work permits. Employers have to meet a set of minimum terms and conditions so that workers are not exploited.

Employers need to make an effort to recruit from the entire European Economic Area, from which they may recruit, including places like Romania and Bulgaria, for example, where many agriculture workers come from. If they are not able to recruit, there is a system by which every six months we decide what professions and what occupations qualify and they have to make a submission. Every six months we update that list. We have updated it a lot. For example, we have included home carers in recent months and pretty much anyone who works in construction. Therefore, it could be done, but those basic terms and conditions must be met because it is right and proper that we protect the incomes, terms and conditions of workers who come from Ireland and other parts of Europe.

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