Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree that spouses or partners of those with intra-company transfer employment permits should be allowed to work. Otherwise, they will be just here. If they can contribute, and many of them have significant jobs and roles, they could contribute whatever it is while they are here. The Deputy is absolutely correct that it is a factor attracting people to come to a country and that we are losing out, as are many sectors. I do not know why the decision was taken at the time but I am reviewing the overall structure. I hope that within a matter of months, although I am trying to get it done as quickly as possible, the review will come to me and I will then be able to make a recommendation. My personal view is that this should change, but we need to look at the reason it was implemented and the implications and use that information to make a decision. That work is under way. A review is taking place but, as I said, I think we need to change the rule and doing so makes sense. It is permitted everywhere else and we are losing out because of it not being permitted here. I think changing it could only benefit us.

See this speech in context