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

This amendment also adjusts section 8 on the non-application of section 7 to certain foreign nationals by amending subsection (1)(f) to ensure that family members of officials of international organisations assigned to work in the State under the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967 and the amending Act of 2017 are exempt from the requirements of the employment permits legislation. This effectively means these family members are considered similar to the family members of diplomats assigned here from other countries when it comes to accessing the labour market. It is in line with the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967 and the amending Act of 2017, which confer privileges and immunities not just on members of diplomatic and consular missions but also on international organisations, including the United Nations, the Council of Europe and the OECD.

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