Harney defends Irish work permit system

The Tánaiste, Mary Harney, has defended the Irish work permit system after it was severely criticised by speakers at an Immigrant Council conference in Dublin yesterday.

Former President Mary Robinson told the conference that the policy of awarding permits to employers rather than employees left non-national workers in a type of “bonded servitude”.

US Congressman Bruce Morrison also said that Ireland needed immigrant workers like Filipino nurses to protect its economy.

Such nurses are currently leaving the country in droves because the Government refuses to give work permits to their spouses.

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

Responding to the criticism today, Ms Harney said the work permit system had to be “demand-led” and permits could only be issued when and where they were unfilled job vacancies.

Speaking at a FAS function in Dublin, the Tánaiste rejected the idea that a green card-type system would be better than the current state of affairs.

“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.

“What we have are basically short-term needs in different sectors. It varies from time to time and it has to be responsive to the needs of the economy.”

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

“We have ensured that anyone who’s discriminated against in Ireland is given an alternative working permit,” she said.

“If they’re being treated unfairly by their currently employer, that employer will not be given new permits for other staff.”

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

“The nurses and other high-skilled workers come through an authorisation process,” she said.

“It’s different from the permit process and I think it’s only fair and reasonable that we should give serious consideration to allow their families join them.”