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

This amendment adjusts section 8 regarding the non-application of section 7 to certain foreign nationals. Its purpose is to ensure that applicants or those who have been granted status within the meaning of the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 can directly access the labour market without a requirement to hold an employment permit in the State. In effect, this amendment excludes international protection applicants from the employment permits legislation while they are under the international protection process within the Department of Justice.