The Taoiseach has defended the operation of the work permit system, despite claims by campaigners that it exposes immigrant workers to the risk of exploitation.
Mr Ahern said there were "good reasons" why work permits for migrant workers were issued to employers rather than employees, a practice which was criticised by a new immigrant body yesterday.
The Immigrant Council of Ireland, an advice and information organisation, has called for a series of changes to the system to protect immigrant workers from exploitation and give them long-term security.
Mr Ahern, who opened the council's drop-in premises in north inner-city Dublin yesterday, conceded that work permit legislation should be changed, and said it was under examination.
However, he declined to endorse the three specific changes advocated yesterday by the chairwoman of the council, the social campaigner, Sister Stanislaus Kennedy.
Sister Stan was critical of the current rules under which work permits for immigrants are applied for and held by the employer. "This effectively binds the employee to their employer and exposes them to the risk of exploitation," she said.
"We are aware of some unscrupulous employers engaging in different forms of exploitation. Because employers effectively control the work permits, many employees feel intimidated about making any complaints. As the residence permit of a worker is granted on the basis of the work permit, many are afraid not only will they lose their job if they were to assert their rights, but they also fear they would automatically lose their right to remain in Ireland."
Sister Stan called on the Government to see that work permits were issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to individual employees instead of employers. The group is one of many organisations to have called for such a change in recent years.
Asked later by journalists whether he personally agreed with this proposal, Mr Ahern replied: "It depends. There are very good reasons why it is the other way because otherwise how do you get the work permit? How do you, from abroad, write here to get a work permit for a specified job? That's never been the way that it's operated."
Mr Ahern declined to express an opinion when pressed further, saying the council's submission would be looked at. He added: "My own experience is there are very very good reasons why the system is as it is." He said there were abuses, with employers failing to deliver on their promises on pay, conditions and the type of job. "That is an area of hardship and I think that area can be tightened up," he added.
The council's other two proposals are the introduction of long-term residence permits for workers in the State for four to five years and new rules governing the rights of workers' families to join them in Ireland.