Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I understand the issues about migrants the Deputy is raising. We have heard some of the stories and I have engaged also with the migrant refugee representative body to ensure their members are listened to and are front and centre in any enhancements we can make to the scheme. We have looked at how the granting of reactivation permits is in one sense supported. We want to work with the Department of Justice in that regard and ensure that we help to support non-EU workers who are in difficult circumstances while also highlighting these changes.

We have implemented a new online workers' employment permit system. That will have an additional benefit in terms of user interaction and real-time data on how permits are being processed. We will continue to engage with the Deputy and with any further suggestions he may have to support this.

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