Gregoria Gumpal, Migrant Rights Centre, Domestic Workers' Action Group And Rathmines-Pembroke Community Partnership

VOICES FROM THE FLOOR: I am from the Philippines

VOICES FROM THE FLOOR:I am from the Philippines. We are working hard for different issues regarding changes in the permit system for non-EU citizens, issues on naturalisation and social welfare.

For example if you are on social welfare you cannot apply for citizenship. We discussed inequality in the first session here and it is a very big issue. Many people are paid below the minimum wage and it is not just migrant workers.

There are many Irish people too. It is inequality within Ireland as well. When I was talking to one Irish woman and said I was paid €12 an hour, she was shocked. She said, “I’m only paid €5 an hour”. And it is the same problem for childminders, and for Irish childminders who are not even paid the minimum wage. It is about equality for everyone.