Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I agree with the sentiments expressed by the Minister and Senator Morrissey. Business is undermined when some employers do not play by the rules. Senator Tuffy referred to economic migrants. As we have a common travel area with Britain, this does not really arise, but, as is clear from the inscription on the Statue of Liberty, the United States actively encouraged economic migration from this country.

I agree with Senator Morrissey's point on minor penalties. It is not just a question of the law being heavy handed. The judge in each case will decide what is appropriate in the circumstances. By and large, judges do not act in a heavy handed manner. As far as I have observed, they rarely avail of maximum penalties. A fine of €1,000, €2,000 or €3,000 is of no consequence to the employers in question and will not deter them from taking risks. The case for this section is well founded.