Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

Many of those who watched the "Prime Time" programme last night, during which the Tánaiste was quoted liberally, will have found it disturbing. Much of the recent success of our economy has been made due to the large number of people working here on work permits. It was interesting that RTE researchers were able to identify many abuses of the permits' system in a short period.

Migrant workers depend on being well looked after when they come here but they are trapped by their potential employers who retain their work permits for 12 months. In light of these circumstances, I call on the Tánaiste to come before the House to discuss the matter and reassure Senators that those who come here, in many cases to take jobs Irish workers refuse to do, are looked after properly. Our reputation depends on such workers being treated with respect.