Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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1276. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding Ireland’s non-implementation of the Employers Sanctions Directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1838/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The EU Employers Sanctions Directive aims to stop employers from recruiting illegal migrants by introducing sanctions for employers who do so. It also protects irregular workers by ensuring they get outstanding pay from their employers, by facilitating complaints and by emphasising the right not to be subjected to particularly exploitive working conditions.

Ireland has not opted into the EU Employers Sanctions Directive. Opting-in to any EU legislation requires detailed considerations of the implications of the measures for the State. However, these matters are continually kept under review.  

As the Deputy is aware, I recently launched a once-in-a-generation scheme to regularise long-term undocumented migrants and their dependents living in the State, where specific criteria are met. Applications to the scheme will be accepted between 31 January and 31 July 2022 and successful applicants will be awarded a Stamp 4 residence permission which allows for full access to the labour market. 

Many undocumented people are likely to already be in employment but the permission will open up greater opportunities for labour mobility, career choices and employment generally.

Queries on the enforcement of employment laws on employers or in respect of employees are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, or the Workplace Relations Commission.