Migrants to fill gaps in agri. Sector

AN easing of the rules to allow more migrant workers take up employment in the Irish agricultural sector, has been welcomed by IFA National President, Joe Healy.

He said that with Ireland again approaching a situation of full employment, there was a genuine need for additional labour from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).

He said that the need was greatest in the labour intensive and expanding sectors such as dairy, horticulture and pigs, pointing out that the current process used in applying for work permits was ‘very onerous’.

“It currently takes up to 12 weeks to obtain a work permit. The Minister should reduce the time and simplify the process. It must be borne in mind that individual farmers do not have  access to a HR (Human Resources) department, unlike larger companies,” said Joe Healy.

Mr. Healy has welcomed a Government report on the review of economic migration policy, the objective of which was to consider the rationale for the employment permit system in an improving economy and a tightening labour market.

“The introduction by Minister Heather Humphreys of a pilot labour permit scheme for the agriculture sector last May was a positive first step in this regard,” said Joe Healy.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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