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

I thank the Acting Chair. I want to address a couple of concerns that were listed here today. First, with regard to what Senator Higgins said about the zero-hour contracts, I see what she is saying on that but it is a really good testimony to a Member of this Chamber who, as the then Minister for Social Protection, former Deputy Regina Doherty, banned zero-hour contracts, which was a really positive move from an employment rights perspective.

With regard to the seasonal permit holders and how the permits were designed, they really were designed using learnings from international situations. That includes best practice as well as things that did not work. As Senators will be aware, it took over a year since the pre-legislative scrutiny session to ensure that this was published. The reason for that was because we wanted to take our time to make sure we got this right and that we dealt with some of the concerns and potential pitfalls, and that has happened.

With regard to consequences - and I know that was raised here today - consequences of violation of law will be baked into this pilot scheme.Anyone found to be in breach will be prohibited from accessing seasonal permits again, which is important. I know I said this previously but it was raised by Senator Sherlock. To reiterate, additional resources have rightly been provided to the Workplace Relations Commission for the purposes of inspections for the seasonal permits.

To Senator Warfield, I reiterate that trade unions and the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland will be invited to join the advisory group that will oversee this pilot. That is a welcome measure. I hope this additional information deals with the further concerns outlined.