Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Acting Chair. I am covering for Senator Ward today. The Minister of State and his officials are very welcome to the Chamber. I agree with the previous Senator in that we should have a debate on this topic. Even though this matter needs to be dealt with by tomorrow, it is important that we have a debate on it. From the Fine Gael perspective, we support what the Minister of State is bringing forward today. It makes perfect sense. Rather than all countries within the European Union individually having a plan together about how to manage a shortage in the workforce which is happening in many European countries, to actually work together and to have that talent pool to be worked upon is very important. That is what is being brought here today with a view to alleviating shortages we have in respect of staff, whether that is in the healthcare sector, in education, or in agriculture. It is about finding people with expertise outside of the European Union who are looking to come to Ireland to work.

It is actually amazing when one thinks about it. I remember canvassing in the general election in 2011, I believe, and one of our canvassing leaflets when I was canvassing for the Minister, Deputy Coveney, stated that we would create 100,000 jobs in five years. No one believed that was possible, including probably ourselves who were canvassing at the time. It is great to think that since then, the State has created over 900,000 jobs. Last year alone, as a State we created 100,000 jobs. It is phenomenal where we have come from as a country to where we are today, to have 2.7 million people working and to have 40,000 people come last year into this country on work permits to create a life here. They pay taxes here and give back to the economy and that number will be similar if not exceeded again this year.What the Minister of State is introducing today makes that pathway easier for us to manage. The benefits that will bring to our economy - over €4 billion - shows the potential the country's enterprise sector has. Importantly we need to align ourselves with all European countries so that we can avail of a talent pool that is not available here in Ireland.

Fine Gael supports the motion. We expect it to go through and we wish the Minister of State well.