Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank all Senators who spoke for their broadly strong support for the legislation. I look forward to going through the details on Committee Stage. Senator Coghlan stated his party would accept the Bill.

A number of issues were raised, including the Gama situation, which is still before the Supreme Court. We worked on this issue through the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court, and with officials from the trade union movement. Officials from the Department worked extremely hard. They travelled to Finansbank in Holland, where accounts were held and it is estimated that approximately €24 million was recouped for the workers. That is a significant sum of money. My officials did a great deal of hard work with all concerned and we continue to work on that issue. We cannot comment on the legal aspects because it is still with the Supreme Court.

The concept of joined-up Government was mentioned. I work hand in glove with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on the issue of families applying for work permits. He will bring forward an immigration residency Bill and we have synergy between both Departments. While this legislation facilitates the issuing of a green card, which Senator O'Rourke stated was urgently required, the residency aspect will be determined by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.