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

I thank the Civil Engagement Group for all of its work on this. I am aware of the Senator's passion for social justice and the rights of all workers, and I appreciate and value that. The amendment calls for a report to be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas reviewing the conditions and wages of workers holding a seasonal employment permit. The Senator is correct; for such workers it is not just about work but also experiencing our country and social inclusion.

I understand the concerns she has outlined, but I will not accept the amendment and I will explain why. The plan is to introduce a rights-based pilot scheme in 2025, designed by a multidisciplinary advisory group that involves sectoral representatives, migrant advocacy groups and other Departments and agencies. In the first instance, the pilot will only be available to the horticultural sector, specifically soft fruit pickers, and will be restricted to a small number of employers and workers. I assure the Senator that the pilot will be rigorously monitored and evaluated. Additional resources have been provided to the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, for the purpose of inspections and I expect it will be proactive regarding seasonal employment permits.

The findings of the pilot scheme will decide how we develop the scheme, and for which sectors and what duration. It is my intention that the outcome of this evaluation will be published and made freely available on the Department's website. For that reason, I feel we have this covered and I will not accept the amendment.