MIGRANT WORKERS:THE GOVERNMENT has been accused of "political opportunism" in its decision to make changes to the work permit system for migrant workers in Ireland.
The comments were made at a demonstration in Dublin organised by the Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland (MRCI) and supported by Siptu. It was held to voice the discontent of these organisations with rules prohibiting unemployed immigrants from obtaining a new job until the position has been publicly advertised for two months.
“I think it is political opportunism in the run-up to the June 5th elections,” said Ethel Buckley of Siptu’s organising unit. “Migrant workers are being scapegoated for economic ills that they did not contribute to. This is a very mean spirited scapegoating of workers.”
Ms Buckley also said the new rules would have a serious effect on the lives of immigrants who lose their jobs. “For most redundant migrant workers, they’ll have two options: either be forced to go home or to work in the black economy.”
Minister of State for Labour Affairs Dara Calleary denied that the new rules were created for political gain. “We are in such challenging times in the labour market that we are changing many of our policies.” Mr Calleary said his department would proceed with the implementation of these measures, due to come into effect on June 1st. A review would take place in the autumn.
More than 100 people attended yesterday’s demonstration.
MRCI director Siobhán O’Donoghue said she had asked the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to postpone the introduction so that a review of its implications could take place.
“The introduction will be an impossible barrier for any migrant workers.”
Ms O’Donoghue said she told the Minister that the message was that the migrant workers were “not wanted”. She later added that there was a fear in society that immigrants were taking Irish people’s jobs and “there are some politicians who will exploit that fear”.
The MRCI has also written to all TDs asking for their support for their campaign to reverse the new measures. According to Ms O’Donoghue, Fine Gael has called on the Government to not go ahead and many Fianna Fáil backbenchers have also informally voiced their disagreement.