Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 June 2021
202. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide for access to workplace relations bodies by undocumented workers (details supplied). [30271/21]
View answerNon-EEA nationals are required by law to hold a valid work permit or a visa which grants them permission to work in the State.
Employment permit holders have exactly the same protections under Irish employment law as any other worker in the State and many of the criteria associated with the employment permits system are aimed at ensuring that migrant employees are treated in line with Irish labour laws.
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has powers of enforcement under the Employment Permits Acts and its investigation and enforcement powers work to discourage abuses of the employment permits system by unscrupulous employers.
A person who does not hold a valid work permit or a visa which grants them permission to work in the State is not entitled to enter into a contract of employment in the State and is therefore not entitled to seek redress from the WRC.
A person who has not acquired a right to work in Ireland may seek redress from the civil courts, in accordance with section 2B of the Work Permits Acts.
