Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I have no difficulty with the Order of Business today, whatever about yesterday. No doubt the Leader of the House is aware that this is anti-racism in the workplace week. Can she find out from her Government colleagues when it is intended to bring forward the work permit Bill? This is an important Bill that is required in order to streamline legislation in this area to give additional protection to migrant workers and also to ensure any rogue employer who acts in an untoward way would be penalised severely by our legal code. This follows the report yesterday by the Equality Authority on this issue, which showed considerable abuse against many migrant workers. There is appalling abuse in terms of the length of time they work, conditions, health standards, etc. I would like to know when will we debate the work permit Bill because in some of the cases highlighted yesterday by the Equality Authority some workers were working up to 70 or 80 hours per week and only being paid for 50. This is a matter we must debate in the Seanad.