Catherine Murphy
Question:170. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will bring forward the employment permits (consolidation and amendment) Bill. [26831/20]
View answerTuesday, 29 September 2020
Questions (170)
Written answers
A fundamental review of Economic Migration Policy, in 2018, indicated that while the employment permits system provides a robust basis for the management of economic migration, the current legislation imposes a degree of inflexibility on the operation of the system. The review overseen by the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group, included a public consultation process and an international benchmarking exercise. The Review’s recommendations included the drafting of a new bill to adjust the legislative structure of the system, to allow for swift responses to changes in labour supply and demand, or employment practices.
Government approval has been secured for the General Scheme and work is progressing on the development of the legislation. Drafting of the Bill is progressing well.
Pre-Legislative Scrutiny took place on 13th November 2019 with DBEI officials attending the Joint Oireachtas Committee however, as the General Election was called before the Committee’s report issued, it is likely that officials may have to attend the Committee again, the date to be confirmed.
It is expected that it will be brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas in early 2021.