Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House. I also welcome Gráinne O'Toole, Mohammed Younis and their colleagues from the Migrant Rights Centre, who are in the Visitors' Gallery as my guests to watch the debate. I echo the words of Senator Cullinane in commending the Migrant Rights Centre on its work on this legislation, which aims to ensure an ending of exploitative work practices.

The Migrant Rights Centre has welcomed the provisions in the Bill, which are progressive in terms of seeking to assist migrant workers in re-entering the labour market. However, I know there remains a concern about ensuring that the provisions that seek to prevent exploitative practices are strengthened. In particular, the Migrant Rights Centre has noted that risks for migrant workers will remain prevalent if the Bill continues to tie workers to their employers. This is an important point and I call on the Minister to take it on board in the context of these amendments.