Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Yes, if they are above the family income supplement threshold. Some provisions will be made on that. The only issue is that people must have sustainable employment for the future. I will return to the issue of Senator Coghlan's sustainability policy later. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has already moved on that issue and articulated publicly on it. Work permits will be for two or three years once this legislation is passed and people will be able to bring their spouses. We recognise that the humanitarian aspect is common sense.

Senator Norris made a point on work visas. Work visas were introduced to fast-track employment in areas where we had skills shortages in the past, such as health and construction. They were allowed bring in their spouses approximately two years ago, for obvious competitive reasons.