Green card system - Progressive plan will help workers

FOLLOWING the Irish Examiner probe into the activities of Turkish-owned building group Gama, the exploitation of foreign workers has become a major issue on the Irish labour market.

In a welcome crackdown on such abuse, the Government is to introduce legislation aimed at stopping rogue employers ripping off vulnerable workers.

For the first time, a green card system will give migrant workers a greater degree of control over their own lives. Set to be unveiled next week by Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin, this progressive package is an important advance towards liberalising the labour market.