Employers who pay immigrants below legal rates face severe penalties under Fine Gael proposals, party leader Enda Kenny said this morning.
Mr Kenny said he would appoint a minister for immigration affairs to deal with the "influx" of immigrants into the State's schools and will put in place a system to "rigorously screen" those coming from outside the EU for criminal records.
After visiting St Thomas Junior National School in Lucan, Dublin this morning, Mr Kenny called for an overhaul of the State's "dysfunctional" immigration system.
"We need an immigration system that is good for the Irish and good for immigrants. Right now, we have an unmanaged system that is not good for either", he said.
"Immigration is both a challenge and an opportunity for the future of Ireland. Given our history, we have a special responsibility to address the challenges and take advantage of the opportunity. Unfortunately, no other politician or party seems willing to engage in this issue."
Fine Gael's plan on immigration policy advocates a focus on immigrant rights and responsibilities, management of immigration in a way that keeps Ireland safe and ensuring immigration improves living standards.
"Some schools now accommodate children from over 30 different countries, from Afghanistan to Zambia. We need to ensure that immigrant children can progress in our schools, while at the same time making sure the education of Irish children is not held back," Mr Kenny said.
St Thomas Junior National School has 463 students, with 27 per cent from outside the State, representing 32 different countries.
Mr Kenny also vowed to employ 500 additional English-language teachers, update teacher-training, and address the English-language needs of foreign national parents with classes during school hours.
