Martin publishes new 'green-card' bill
Minister for Enterprise Micheál Martin today published the Employment Permits Bill 2005, which plans new "green cards" for migrant workers.
The new bill allows the Minister introduce a “green-card” type system for skilled migrant workers and enables the Minister to establish the number of employment permits in total and by sector.
The bill also includes protections for migrant employees, including the granting of a work permit to the employee. However, the practice of the employer applying for the permit will continue.
Minister Martin said: “The aim is that Ireland will have a flexible and responsive employment permit system, which will ensure the economy’s skills and labour needs can be addressed in a pragmatic and speedy manner, while ensuring the rights of all workers are protected."
