Kitt denies claims of foreign 'bonded labour'

Labour Party spokesman on Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr Pat Rabbitte today likened the work permit system for foreign nationals to a 21st century version of bonded labour.

In response, the Minister for Labour, Trade and Consumer Affairs Mr Tom Kitt rejected the allegations, and said foreign workers "have exactly the same rights" as Irish workers in a similar position.

With many sectors of the economy still experiencing skills shortages the demand for foreign workers will remain high. Pat Rabbitte, Labour TD

Mr Rabbitte said the system was ad hoc, outdated and in need of reform. He claimed it was facilitating "the abuse of workers' rights by unscrupulous employers".

He also questioned whether the Tánaiste, Ms Harney, had the "political will" to reform the system. Ms Harney told the Dáil last March she intended to change the system to prevent exploitation.

"With many sectors of the economy still experiencing skills shortages the demand for foreign workers will remain high," he said. "It is time that workers coming to this country legitimately were granted the same labour market rights as Irish workers".

Mr Kitt said Ms Harney was currently planning new work permits legislation, which is expected to be published shortly.

He added that his department was also participating in a review of immigration procedures being carried out by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Last year, a total of 35,000 permits were issued to foreign nationals.

SIPTU has in the past called for visas for migrant workers instead of work permits, to give the workers greater personal and economic freedom.