Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 7:

In page 13, to delete lines 31 to 40, and in page 14, to delete lines 1 to 6.

The record will show I have been very clear in my opposition to facilitating not just the current Minister but any Minister of the day in gaining the power to amend the employment permits system by way of regulation. The Oireachtas committee outlined concerns in this regard as part of its pre-legislative scrutiny report. The report stated that while the general scheme aimed to enable the employment permits system to respond quickly to changes in economic conditions, a move to prescribe rules in regulation rather than primary legislation could undermine public scrutiny and transparency.

In the interests of transparency and openness, such proposals should be debated on the floor of the Dáil rather than making provision that the Minister may make a change by way of regulation. I stress that this is no way directed at the current Minister. The concern is that it is a power that will be given to any and every Minister. While we in this House might have the best of intentions, we do not know what the intentions of the next Minister will be. The current provision is not appropriate, particularly when it comes to critical employment legislation. The proper place to have the discussion on any proposed changes is on the floor of the Dáil. The proposed powers should not be given to the Minister.

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