Dáil Éireann - Volume 521 - 13 June, 2000

Written Answers. - Skill Shortages.

Mr. D'Arcy Mr. D'Arcy

59. Mr. D'Arcy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the evidence she has been able to ascertain in regard to the veracity of claims that employers are by-passing Irish workers and going directly for non-EEA workers as these can be paid lower wages and are more easily dismissed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16534/00]

Mrs. Owen Mrs. Owen

96. Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the evidence she has been able to ascertain in regard to the veracity of claims that employers are by-passing Irish workers and going directly for non-EEA workers as these can be paid lower wages and are more easily dismissed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16622/00]

Ms Harney Ms Harney

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney): I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 96 together.

I do not have any evidence, at this stage of Irish employers by-passing Irish workers and going directly for non EEA workers on the basis that they can be paid lower wages and can be more easily dismissed. I should point out that non nationals working here would have the same rights in labour law as other persons, including the application of minimum wage entitlements. However, if the Deputy has any evidence of such case(s) I would be glad to have the details.

166

There is also a requirement that prospective [166] employers demonstrate that they have not been successful in filling vacancies from within Ireland or the wider EEA before applying for a work permit. This is being interpreted fairly liberally in present labour market circumstances but policy will continue to respond to hard evidence.

Dáil Éireann 521 Written Answers. Skill Shortages.

Questions

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