Vol. 516 No. 5
124 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the interdepartmental committee examining immigration in the context of labour needs, which was to report by the end of February 2000, has submitted its report to Government; if so, the main recommendations of the committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8008/00]
129 Mr. Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will give details of her proposals for the introduction of 200,000 immigrants to meet labour shortages over the next six to seven years in view of her comments on 29 February 2000 (details supplied); the way in which these will be recruited; the countries from which they will be drawn; the plans, if any, she has to avail of the pool of labour among asylum seekers here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8007/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 129 together.
The interdepartmental/agency group which was set up to examine immigration policy in the context of labour needs has now concluded its work and reported to me. Based on the conclusions of the group, my Department have now circulated proposals to other relevant Departments and I hope to be in a position to submit the matter to Government for decision by the end of this month. The Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to comment any further until the Government has had an opportunity to discuss the issues concerned.
