Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The amendment calls for a report to be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas outlining the labour market access available to spouses of employment permit holders. It looks in particular to the gender impact, which I appreciate is the lens the Civil Engagement Group is focusing on. I thank the Senator for the intervention. She has made an important point.

Unfortunately, I cannot accept the amendment because spousal access to the labour market and family reunification are the policy responsibility of the Department of Justice and, therefore, fall outside of the scope of this Bill. Senators may be aware that last week the Minister for Justice announced that the eligible spouses and partners of general employment and intracorporate transferee permit holders, namely those who are already in the State and have been granted permission to live in Ireland, can now access the labour market without the need for an employment permit. Current and future permit holders whose spouses or partners are not in the State will still need to apply for family reunification after 12 months, as things currently stand.Although one such family reunification has been granted, these spouses or partners will be able to work without the need for a separate employment permit. These are positive measures that recognise the valuable contribution economic migrants make to our economy and society, as the Senator has outlined. It will also enhance Ireland's reputation as an attractive place to work and to do business.

I also note that the wider issue of family reunification waiting periods, as raised by the Senator, is the subject of an ongoing review by the Department of Justice. I am sure an announcement on progress will be made in due course. Unfortunately, this matter is the responsibility of the Department of Justice and therefore falls outside the scope of this Bill, so I cannot accept the amendment.