I was contacted by Andy Lam who owns the Silver House Chinese restaurant in Linenhall Street, Castlebar, and who is trying to get his brother, Hon Kit Sammi-Lam, into the country. Mr. Lam employs two Irish people — one part time — pays all his taxes and keeps his business above board. He wants to employ his brother as a specialist chef. He has tried to get Irish people to cook Chinese food but it did not work out. They are doing a great business but he has to work day and night. He is married with three young children and they are settled well into the community. However, last weekend he was sick and had to close his business from Thursday to Sunday, losing three to four days' valuable trading time.
I ask the Minister to look at this case. This man employs Irish people and will employ more because he intends to expand his business. He works hard for long hours and needs a work permit for his brother who will assist him. His young family go to school in Castlebar and he makes a major contribution to the local economy.
I have been involved with emigrants all my life as a public representative. I was chairman of the Westport Emigrants' Reunion for ten years. Irish people are dotted all over the world. Last week, our President and the Chief Whip, Deputy Jim Higgins, were in South Africa where they met many Irish people. The Taoiseach and many Ministers travelled the length and breadth of America for St. Patrick's Day and they met many Irish people who have done very well over there. Our Governments over the years have put pressure on politicians all over the world to let our people work in their countries.
I ask the Minister to show compassion to a man who has made a major effort to raise his family. He employs Irish people and intends to expand his business if his brother can come here to assist him. It is sad when a man's business depends on him solely. He had to close his business last week and put a notice in the newspaper because he was sick. He is doing his best and making a major effort. I ask the Minister to reconsider giving his brother a work permit so that he can assist him with his three young children. This individual does not have a million pounds but he employs Irish people.
I ask the Minister to think of the Irish people around the world. Let us not be hypocritical. We are glad to see our people employed all over the world, although we do not know whose jobs they are taking. This person is not asking the Minister to allow someone in who will take an Irish person's job — he wants someone to assist in his specialised business. I appeal to the Minister to give this man's brother a work permit. His wife came to my clinic last week and cried because they cannot stick the pressure. I appeal to the Minister on compassionate grounds as we depend on other countries to take in Irish emigrants. Let us not be hypocritical.