Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government’s policy is that employment opportunities which arise in the country should, in the first instance, be offered to suitably skilled Irish nationals and then to EEA nationals, and should only be offered to non-EEA nationals where no suitable candidate emerges from within the EEA to fill the vacancy. The last sentence of my initial contribution is the most important in that the sector needs to provide more evidence of recruitment efforts undertaken and to show engagement with the Department of Social Protection.

This issue arises in other sectors and the Minister of State, Deputy English, has indicated that he is not averse to discussion or negotiations. The Government has shown flexibility with other sectors. We note that the horticultural and agrifood sectors are having particular problems. The Minister of State, Deputy English, represents a rural constituency and is a pragmatic individual. I will bring this matter to his attention and I hope that, in conjunction with Senator Gallagher and farming representatives, a resolution to this matter will be found.