Govt introduces law on non-European workers

The Government acted today to replace legislation governing the employment of workers from outside the European Economic Area that dates back more than 65 years.

At present, work permits are issued in Dublin through the 1935 Aliens Act. But a new bill will make it an offence for a non-EEA national to work in Ireland without a permit or for an employer to hire workers without the required documentation.

Penalties for contravention of the new law have still to be decided and the Government plans consultations about that with Attorney General Michael McDowell.

Announcing the move, Tanaiste Mary Harney said the development would put the country’s work permit regime on ‘‘a modern statutory footing.’’

She pointed out that employing people without work permits left them at risk of exploitation, also adding: ‘‘There is a very real danger that illegal employment could call into question the very liberal and flexible employment permit facilities now in operation.

‘‘And employers employing persons not authorised to work in the state could gain an unfair advantage over those who choose to comply with the law and meet their wider obligations under employment law.

‘‘The bill will also allow for greater transparency in the operation and administration of the employment permit system, the putting in place of appropriate monitoring and review arrangements, as well as the introduction of appropriate penalties for both employer and employee for breaches of the act.’’