I am aware of recent concerns about the economic migration policy expressed by the consultative committee. They appear to be based on a misunderstanding both of economic migration policy and of the recent changes to the eligibility criteria for granting work permits.
It is Government policy to ensure that the recruitment of overseas labour through the employment permit system continues to reflect the changing realities of the Irish labour market. At a time of slower economic growth and a higher level of redundancies, policy must adopt a more questioning approach to applications for employment permits in respect of non-EEA nationals. Our first obligation remains to the Irish and broader EEA labour force. The new eligibility criteria for employment permits will continue to be reviewed in light of experience and labour market developments.
Applications to renew existing work permits where the employee is being retained by his or her employer will not be affected by the new restrictions subject to the usual compliance by employers with employment rights legislation.