Work permit renewals - English test not enough

Minister for Integration Conor Lenihan is reportedly hoping to discuss with Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan a requirement for immigrants to demonstrate that they have an adequate command of the English language before they can renew a work permit.

There was a time when such a suggestion would have caused alarm in political circles, because it would have been seen as promoting English over the Irish language. In this instance, Mr Lenihan should be commended for facing up to reality, although there may be an element of bolting the stable door after the horse has gone, with 80,000 foreign workers having left in the past year.

The new restriction would not apply to those seeking an initial work permit, just those seeking to renew one.

The Irish economy has benefited handsomely from foreign workers. They have made a valuable contribution, and our society would benefit from a pluralist approach with proper integration.

It is not enough that the Government should require language proficiency; it should also encourage the process by ensuring proper learning facilities are available for migrant workers and their families.

This is in the interest of everybody.