Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is right. Competitiveness is a key issue here. It is important from a business perspective and, in the context of the labour market, it is important that we are paying competitive rates to employees. The Deputy will be aware that one of the things we are piloting is a new seasonal employment permit. That pilot programme was announced and will be happening and we will look at following it through for different sectors. I am aware of issues with the countries which the Deputy named, as well as with Georgia. I think there will be movement on that shortly. I had a very constructive engagement with the Irish Road Haulage Association. It has a particular viewpoint. I have asked it to provide information, case studies and data to back it up. Once I have that information, I can then make an informed decision on what it is putting forward.

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