Vol. 553 No. 2
124 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made to date in her consideration of the legal framework relating to the recruitment and employment of persons from outside the EU and EEA areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13643/02]
Following my consideration of the legal framework governing economic migration to Ireland from outside the European Economic Area, the Government agreed heads of a new Employment Permits Bill last March. The proposed legislation will put the instruments of economic migration on a modern statutory basis, will update penalties for non-compliance and will include an appeals process. The draft legislation is now with the parliamentary counsel for drafting.
The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is engaged in a more wide ranging review of policy, practice and procedures in relation to migration generally. Further legislative changes may follow that review.
