Seanad debates

Wednesday, 25 January 2006

5:00 pm

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I certainly will do so, but I must make the point that many of the views being expressed by the Labour Party do not have our support on this side of the House.

The experience of Irish emigrants exhorts us as a nation to treat immigrants humanely and with respect. We have an opportunity to manage the relatively new phenomenon of immigration in a positive, non-discriminatory, person-centred manner that will benefit both immigrants and Irish society. We must recognize fully at a legal level the rights of migrant workers and the important contribution that such workers make to the European and Irish economy. The Employment Permits Bill 2005 is a sophisticated response to the issue of migration. In line with the increase in employment, the labour force, that is, employed and unemployed, rose very rapidly and now exceeds 2 million for the first time since the foundation of the State, which is an enormous achievement by this Government.

As well as the natural increase of 18,000, the labour force was augmented by net inward migration of 36,000 and a 40,000 increase in participation. The latter was due in particular to greater participation of women aged 45 or older in the workforce. Non-nationals now make up 8% of the Irish labour force — equivalent to one of the highest percentages in the EU.

Attracting and integrating immigrants will be an important aspect of labour market policy over the coming years. Immigrants will be needed both to supplement domestic sources of labour supply — the CSO has estimated a need for up to 40,000 immigrants per annum — and to help fill particular areas of skill shortage.

However, it is important that policy makers and stakeholders do not see immigration as an easy alternative to trying to meet Ireland's future skill needs from domestic sources. Many issues have arisen as regards the Gama workers and Irish Ferries. Those issues are being looked at and will be dealt with by the Government. I have much more to say on this particular issue. I hope there will be another opportunity for returning to it, when we will be asking the Government to outline matters in more detail.

Our Members in the House are very proud of the Government's achievements. As regards work permits, green cards, etc., I fully support the right of people to work in the economy while not being tied to any employer. It is very important that this should be allowed.

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