Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 7 Mar 2000

Vol. 515 No. 6

Written Answers. - Latvian Immigrants.

John Bruton

Ceist:

69 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the other checks, if any, made by her Department, apart from adverts placed in local newspapers, to establish if there was a genuine attempt made to fill jobs locally by a company (details supplied) which employs Latvian immigrants in view of the fact that local people claim they lost their jobs and were replaced by the Latvians who were paid cheaper rates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6901/00]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

In this case the employer concerned submitted evidence of advertising in local papers in support of applications to employ non-European economic area nationals. This was accepted by my Department at face value and the permits requested were issued to the company in question. I would be concerned if local people were being let go as a consequence and I have instructed my Department to have regard to this issue in examining any further applications for work permits from this company.