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

I thank you, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, and Deputies for their collaboration and contributions to the Bill. It is a really important Bill and will bring benefits for economic migrants and employers. I very much appreciate the rich discussions that happened in both this House and the Seanad and in committee. This Bill represents the biggest reform to employment permits legislation since the 2006 Act and will result in many positive changes to Ireland's economic migration policy. Through the Bill, we are ensuring the permits system is capable of adapting to rapid changes in the needs of the labour market of the future and to fluctuations in demand based on the economic cycle. What is key is to ensure that in pursuing important economic goals, we protect workers, some of whom may be very vulnerable due to inexperience with Irish labour laws, potential isolation and language barriers.

The positive impact migrants have on our economy and our society is significant. Economic migration boosts the numbers of working-age people, which is so important as our population ages. Migrant workers bring much-needed skills and experience across all sectors of our economy. I firmly believe the improvements brought forward with this Bill will benefit all users of the employment permits system.

I am very pleased this legislation has successfully passed both Houses and I look forward to seeing the Bill signed into law in the coming weeks. I thank Deputies for their approval of these final technical amendments and their participation in the debate. I also thank the Attorney General's office and those in various Departments who have worked cross-departmentally with my officials and who have done tremendous work on the Bill. Again, I recognise the hard work, determination and collaboration of Migrant Rights Centre Ireland.

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