Robinson slams Irish work permit system

Former President Mary Robinson has severely criticised the Irish work permit system in a speech to a conference in Dublin.

Speaking at the Immigrant Council conference, Mrs Robinson likened the work permit system in Ireland to bonded servitude and criticised the fact that work permits are granted to employers rather than to workers themselves.

This system has previously been criticised for leaving non-EU workers virtually dependent on a single employer.

Mrs Robinson said today that immigration was unavoidable and should be regarded as an asset.

She pointed out that half of all people born in Ireland since 1945 had left the country, becoming immigrants elsewhere.

The former President, who backed the Immigrant Council’s call for a rights-based immigration policy, said the tables had now turned and Ireland should respond positively.