Minister Killeen Launches Report on "Managing the Immigration and Employment of Non-EU nationals in Ireland"

Minister for Labour Affairs Mr. Tony Killeen today (Thursday 19^th May 2005) launched the TCD Policy Institute Report "Managing the Immigration and Employment of Non-EU nationals in Ireland".

Welcoming the report Minister Killeen said "This report of Dr. Ruhs is taking place at a time of great change and at a critical turning point in Ireland's migration history. We have changed from a country with significant emigration to one with quite significant immigration. The detailed research done by Dr. Ruhs provides an in depth understanding of the developments of recent years and a valuable road map for policy makers".

"Dr. Ruhs has put forward a number of policy options designed to maximise the effectiveness of the current work permit system, the introduction of a permanent immigration program and the increased enforcement of our labour laws. We will be studying his suggestions closely.

"The new Employment Permits Bill which is currently in the final stages of preparation and is due to be published shortly will allow for a more pro-active role in the area of economic migration. The Bill will also allow for the introduction of a system of entry for specified highly skilled migrant workers, similar to that proposed by Dr. Ruhs.

"The legislation will include additional protections for migrant workers. It is intended that employers will be prohibited from making deductions from the remuneration of migrant workers of any costs associated with their recruitment. There will also be a prohibition on the retention by employers of personal documents belonging to migrant workers. The issues of to whom the permit will be granted and changing employers will be also addressed in the legislation.

"Dr. Ruhs quiet rightly emphasises the need for effective enforcement of existing legislation. In recognition of the need for increased Labour Inspectors Minister Martin recently announce that the Labour Inspectorate in my Department will be increased to 31 which represents a 50% increase on the existing complement. These additional labour inspectors will place a specific emphasis on sectors where migrant workers are concentrated", Minister Killeen concluded.

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