Harney defends permits system

TÁNAISTE Mary Harney reacted to criticism of Ireland’s work permit system yesterday saying it had to be demand-led.

The current work permit system was described as a form of bonded servitude on Wednesday by former President Mary Robinson as she addressed an Immigrant Council conference in Dublin.

Mrs Robinson said the Government’s policy of awarding permits to employers rather than employees left non-national workers at the mercy of employers.

At the same conference, US Congressman Bruce Morrison also said Ireland needed immigrant workers like Filipinos who were leaving because they couldn’t get permission for their spouses to live here.

Mr Morrison suggested a green card-type system in Ireland would represent a better approach to immigration.

Responding to the criticism yesterday, Ms Harney said the work permit system had to be based on demand.

Permits could only be issued when and where they were unfilled job vacancies.

Speaking at a FÁS function in Dublin, Ms Harney rejected the idea that a green card-type system would be preferable to the work permit system.

“All of that was examined a number of years ago and I felt, on balance, it was not the way forward for Ireland,” she said.

Ms Harney also insisted that the Government was committed to protecting immigrant workers.

In relation to the issue of Filipino nurses, Ms Harney said she was considering a change in policy to prevent nurses from leaving Ireland for better lives elsewhere.