I am very much aware of reports regarding the mistreatment of certain non-nationals placed in employment here on foot of work permit applications and my condemnation of these abuses is already on record. Such reports indicate that a small number of employers are engaged in these practices and that there are particular sectors, including the agricultural sector, where such practices seem to be a feature. In this connection I wish to put such employers on notice that I am quite determined that they will not be allowed to get away with exploitation of vulnerable people.
Employment rights legislation in Ireland establishes the minimum statutory rights applicable to all 1.8 million people working in Ireland whether part-time or full-time, high or low skill, national or non-national. The legislation makes no distinction between the rights of foreign workers and any other workers. All workers in Ireland, without exception, are entitled to the same statutory employment rights and protections so the protections of Irish labour law apply to immigrant workers in exactly the same manner as to native Irish workers.