Why are we giving so many non-EU permits?

THE Government has said repeatedly that other than for special skills shortages, businesses should be able to recruit from within the EU, particularly since the accession of 10 new countries in May 2004.

Normally, therefore, it would not be granting work permits. However, it would appear now that Trade and Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin is not fulfilling that promise.

I call it a promise because we are entitled not to have non-EU immigration beyond what the labour market genuinely requires.