John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I welcome the Minister to the House. I am pleased to contribute to the debate this evening because it is imperative that we have a balanced and accurate discussion on the rights of migrant workers.

We must recognise the significant contribution made by migrant workers and deplore any exploitative or unfair practices. We must also recognise and commend actions taken by the Government and agencies to address problems arising from the recent and rapid phenomenon of large-scale immigration.

Between 1997 and 2000 especially, we experienced exceptional levels of growth in jobs and employment. The number of those in employment has grown by almost 450,000 in the past eight years. Simultaneously, the number of unemployed persons fell by about 80,000. The unemployment rate is half the average in the European Union, having dropped from 10.4% to 4.7% in recent years.

The result is a new phenomenon, namely, labour and skills shortages requiring us to recruit many overseas workers, principally from the European Union, but also from countries across the globe.

All immigrants contribute to our society and not just those workers who improve our prosperity, as identified in the Labour Party motion. Addressing this topic here on 13 April, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, said, "Immigration is and, will continue to be, essential to the development and prosperity of Irish society." This is a relatively new phenomenon in this country but generations of Irish people have known the other side of the coin. We must send a clear message that people who come to Ireland seeking employment are welcome and we must treat them in a just manner.

It would be a shame to focus exclusively on the contribution made by migrant workers to our economy. As a recent article pointed out, we tend to categorise immigrants as non-nationals but they come from a variety of backgrounds and countries.

According to the 2002 census, 6% of the population living in Ireland are non-citizens, while the non-EU population makes up an average 2.3% of the overall labour force. Asylum seekers are the most prominent and talked-about immigrants of recent years, yet they constitute only 10% of those who have arrived in Ireland.

I am particularly concerned about the 100 or so unaccompanied minor asylum seekers who have come here from Nigeria in the past two years. We owe a special duty to protect children who come here alone.

In many sectors, especially services, agriculture and health, migrant workers make an indispensable contribution to our society. It is ironic and sad that some unenlightened souls speak of migrants as being a drain on our society or economy because we need them. The ESRI states the demand for workers must be met by immigration. We need migrants to keep us in the prosperity to which we are becoming accustomed. We must treat them fairly and with dignity.

This is not limited to providing money, allowances, accommodation or permits, or whatever. It is a complex and nuanced policy area. For example, last month my colleague, Senator Morrissey, called for our economy to make better use of migrant workers' skills, a call I echo. The ESRI stated that if more migrants worked in occupations that utilised their educational abilities, it would increase real gross national disposable income by 1% rather than the 0.4% attributed to them. This is not simply a matter of economic success or maximising what Ireland can gain from migrant workers; it concerns the well-being of people coming into the country.

All employees in Ireland are covered by Irish employment rights legislation, specifically section 20 of the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001 which extends that coverage to workers posted to Ireland, irrespective of nationality or place of residence. A cursory glance at the media, or the entrance to the Four Courts, or even the gates of Leinster House on some occasions shows that problems exist. Without detailing the specifics of any particular case — this issue has been well aired in this House — I welcome the talks between the Labour Relations Commission and the management of Gama Construction.

I share the view that the Irish experience of most migrant workers is positive. We must be conscious of any claims of abuse or exploitation of workers. I echo the concerns raised that there are only 20 labour standards inspectors nationwide. Recent reports suggest that rogue employers will continue to get away with exploitation and worse as long as there are so few inspectors. This issue must be addressed promptly.

I hope I have provided some balance to this evening's discussion. People from other nations have contributed to the richness of Irish society and will continue to do so. The simplistic categorisation of all migrants is regrettable. The ignorant view that all migrants are here to get something for nothing is sad and must be challenged wherever it is uttered.

As I have said, immigration has been a recent trend in Ireland and it has been difficult to respond to it. However, we are doing a lot of good work, as I can see from the employment rights information booklets published in various languages on the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment's website. I know there are real issues facing migrant workers, and I hope some of the points I have raised this evening will help bring about further discussion.

I will finish by recounting the words attributed to the former Secretary General of the United Nations, Boutros Boutros-Ghali who said "Good news is no news." There is some marvellous work being done, which demonstrates how indigenous and foreign workers are integrating with great success. May that continue. We must highlight exploitation at every turn and take every possible step to stamp it out.