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

For once, I am at a loss for words. I am absolutely thrilled with this news. I thank and congratulate the Minister for listening to what I had to say, taking on board what I said and actually making the change happen. It is an example that shows that this House actually works. If Ministers like her listen to colleagues across the House with regard to suggestions such as this and then actually take action, we can make much more progress in many areas. This will make a huge difference to a small number of people.

A number of years ago what prompted me was a call I got from a lady who had been here with her husband. She was highly qualified but unable to work. He was an intracompany transfer. We tried at the time to make changes but it was not possible. I am delighted now to hear this news.

It will also have a positive impact on our global competitiveness. We will be able to compete equally with our competitor colleague countries, of which there are more than 30 that allow spouses and partners to work automatically when they arrive. To clarify, they are allowed to apply for work; they may not get a job. That will make it more attractive. It will also benefit people who come here who want to set up businesses from foreign direct investment and send a team here and bring their partner or spouse with them. It will make it more attractive for those highly-skilled, highly-qualified people to come here for the short period that the intracompany transfer permit allows in order to set up companies and businesses.

This is a positive and important move. The implications will be not only local and national but international. It will also make a difference on a personal level to the people who come here. If somebody comes here and both partners can work, their family income goes up, which makes it more attractive as well. It is a win-win-win for everybody.

I congratulate the Minister, her officials and the Ministers and officials in the Department of enterprise. When the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, was previously in the Department of enterprise, he was strong on this and very supportive. I am not sure whether there will be any notice in media and so on because it is a good news story and an important one.

I say, “Well done, thank you and congratulations” to the Minister.

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