What are FAS up to?

national | worker & community struggles and protests | opinion/analysis Thursday May 25, 2006 14:38 by Liam Mullen - Freelance journalist

Have they become a springboard for illegal immigration?

Although FAS JobsIreland have been in the news a lot lately regarding their proposed move under decentralisation, many of their job advertisements in recent months seem designed to promote illegal immigration.

Under Arts and Literature for example, a number of Radio Presenter positions are being sought for Swords, Co. Dublin. The basic requirement – Latvian speaking, South African speaking, Nigerian speaking, Lituanian speaking, Pakistani speaking, Indian and Russian speaking. What radio station is engaged in employing such a diverse set of linguistic people, one wonders?
Irish people applying for these jobs are not getting replies or even acknowledgements of their applications. The question must be asked: Has FAS become a springboard for illegal immigration into this country? At the time of going to press, FAS has acknowledged a complaint on this issue, but has not reverted with a substantive explanation.
Vacant jobs within Ireland are supposed to be advertised for the benefit of unemployed Irish and EU citizens, but it seems this government is operating a two-tiered approach to employment rights within this country.