Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)

I welcome the fact the Minister of State is engaging with these industries and he should continue to do that. I would also like his Department to examine the fee migrant workers are paying. Off the top of my head, it costs €200 yearly. It is an unfair fee and should be reduced because these people are struggling. They are coming here to work. Workers should not have to choose between leaving a bad situation and risking their legal status. We can and must do better and I welcome that the Minister of State's Department is doing that and I thank him.

The real question is, will we see legislative reform in this area in 2025? Will the Department commit to a clear set of reforms that put mobility, workers' rights and transparency at the centre of the work permit system?

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