John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I apologise for the absence of the Minster of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Michael Ahern, who had to attend an important function. I thank Senators for their contributions to this important debate.

I am happy the Government has decided to facilitate freedom of movement for the purpose of work by nationals from what will be the new European Union member states with effect from May 2004. This will help to strengthen further the mutual benefits to be gained by Irish society and by nationals of the accession states in the economic field. It will also put on a more secure footing the movement of persons for work from central and eastern Europe that has occurred in recent years. This will be of benefit to both employers and employees concerned.

The safeguard provisions should serve to reassure those who might be concerned at the prospect that migration flows may be sufficient to cause a disturbance in the labour market at a later stage. We will have the same safeguard options as other member states in a similar position. I am sure Senators will agree that this is a good time to remedy the defects in the existing legal basis covering the granting of employment permits. At present no effective penalty can be imposed on an employer who knowingly employs a person in respect of whom a permit is needed or where such a permit has not been obtained.

While there is general welcome for the Bill, concerns have been expressed about various aspects. I am sure that on Committee Stage, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment will consider some of the suggestions made. Like the rest of us, she does not have a monopoly of wisdom on the best way to proceed.

Senator Coghlan raised a number of points. Employment law will be enforced in all cases. After EU enlargement, recruitment from the wider world should mainly be confined to skilled labour. This will reduce the possibility of exploitation.